Six-month-old Ayven (left), with parents Amrit and Kirsten Sekhon on Miracle Treat Day in Kamloops. (Image Credit: Anthony Corea / CFJC Today)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

MIRACLE TREAT DAY

DQ Miracle Treat Day children’s hospital fundraising hits close to home for local family

Aug 14, 2025 | 4:33 PM

KAMLOOPS — The first Miracle Treat Day was back in 2006 and every August since then, British Columbians have hit up Dairy Queen drive-thrus to fundraise for the Children’s Miracle Network.

Net proceeds from Blizzard treats sold in Kamloops today (Aug. 14) will be put towards the BC Children’s Hospital. Since the event began, it has spurred millions of dollars in donations for child healthcare treatments, research, and hospital equipment.

While on location at the Aberdeen Dairy Queen today, CFJC Today spoke with a local family who recently experienced how those donations help provide children with lifesaving care.

The Sekhon family is no stranger to Miracle Treat Day as they operate several Dairy Queen locations around Canada. But for six-month-old baby Ayven, and parents Amrit and Kirsten, this year holds extra meaning.

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“So I had Ayven on February 11 at BC Children’s Hospital and he was born with congenital heart disease,” Kirsten said. “So we spent 49 days at BC Children’s, and Ayven has had two open heart surgeries so far.”

Ayven had his first heart surgery at just three days old. It was an intense experience for the family, but their son is home now and doing better. Amrit says they’re all the more appreciative of the healthcare those Blizzard donations help pay for.

“We’ve always been big supporters of Miracle Treat Day but when you have an experience like this, it takes it to the next level,” Amrit added.

Money raised locally goes to the nearest hospital within the Children’s Miracle Network, which for Kamloops is the BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

“Obviously this day goes to Children’s Hospital but throughout the year we do support the local RIH Foundation as well,” adds Sekhon.

And given the amount of Blizzards Kamloops residents order, Miracle Treat Day has historically generated tens of thousands of dollars in donations.

“Just touching the community, right. Like you put an ice cream in and it just puts a smile on everyone’s face. Doesn’t matter what age group at all,” adds Amrit, “Like we had kids in here right now, we have seniors that come by, and it just puts a smile on everyone’s face.”

“And I think everyone is happy to support a good cause too,” adds Kirsten.