Kurt Browning and Steve Montador lace up for Dairy Queen's Miracle Treat Day
August 12

Proceeds from Blizzard^® sales across Canada donated to Children's Miracle Network

TORONTO, Aug. 12 /CNW/ - Dairy Queen (DQ) Canada today launched the eighth annual Canadian Miracle Treat Day, a one day fundraiser taking place on Thursday, August 12, 2010. On that day proceeds from every Blizzard sold at participating Dairy Queens across Canada will be donated to Children's Miracle Network. Local celebrities, Children's Miracle Network ambassadors and DQ executives across the country will lend their time and support to serve Blizzards on Miracle Treat Day.

CBC's Battle of the Blades co-host, Olympian and World Champion figure skater Kurt Browning and Buffalo Sabres Defenseman Steve Montador kicked off the national fundraiser at The Mastercard Centre for Hockey Excellence in Toronto today. The pair met and skated with with children and parents whose lives have been touched by the Children's Miracle Network.

"Miracle Treat Day raises money for such a great cause," said Kurt Browning. "I look forward to it every year and hope that soft serve fans across Canada take the opportunity to make a difference."

"Because the purchase of a Blizzard will go towards helping children across Canada, you can say it's the perfect guilt-free reason to treat yourself to a Blizzard!" said Steve Montador. "I'll be treating my friends, my family and myself to Blizzards on August 12."

Last year, Dairy Queen Canada's Miracle Treat Day and associated activities helped raise over $2 million for the Children's Miracle Network, a non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children's hospitals across North America.  Dairy Queen has been a supporter of Children's Miracle Network since 1984, raising more than $79 million since then.

Miracle Treat Day began as a Canadian initiative to raise funds eight years ago and its success prompted Dairy Queen locations across the United States to adopt the initiative. August 12, 2010 will mark the fifth annual North American Miracle Treat Day.

"Raising money for the Children's Miracle Network is a longstanding Dairy Queen tradition," said Denise Hutton, Vice President of Marketing, Dairy Queen Canada.  "We are always truly amazed at the generosity from Dairy Queen customers, franchisees and staff and each year Miracle Treat Day exceeds our expectations.

"By purchasing a Blizzard on Miracle Treat Day on August 12 you'll be helping children in your local Children's Network Hospital," said Paul Lethbridge Director, Corporate Development Children's Miracle Network.  "All donations received help to fund medical care, research and educational programs so that Canadian kids have access to the best possible care."

About Children's Miracle Network
Children's Miracle Network is an international non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children's hospitals. Countless individuals, 90 organizations and 400 media partners unite with Children's Miracle Network hospitals to help sick and injured kids in local communities. Donations to Children's Miracle Network create miracles by funding medical care, research and education that saves and improves the lives of 17 million children each year. To learn more go to www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org.

In Canada, the children's hospitals/foundations supported by Children's Miracle Network include: BC Children's Hospital Foundation, Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation, Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation, Children's Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan, Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, SickKids Foundation, Children's Health Foundation of London, McMaster Children's Hospital Foundation, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation, IWK Health Centre Foundation, Janeway Children's Hospital Foundation and Operation Enfant Soleil which includes Le Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine, Le Centre hospitalier universitaire de Quebec and Montreal Children's Hospital.  

About Dairy Queen Canada
Dairy Queen Canada is a wholly owned division of International Dairy Queen. IDQ is part of the Berkshire Hathaway family, a company controlled by Warren Buffet. In Canada, IDQ, develops, licenses and services a system of more than 570 Dairy Queen and 135 Orange Julius stores in Canada featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, soft serve, blended drinks made from oranges and other fruit flavours, along with various snack items.

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For further information:

Alanna Banks
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