MOOSOMIN — DQ Canada is recognizing Joanne Kerr, franchisee of the Dairy Queen in Moosomin, as the 2025 Miracle Maker Award recipient.
The award honours a Canadian franchisee or operator who goes above and beyond in supporting their local Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospital. Kerr is the first franchisee from Saskatchewan to receive the Miracle Maker Award.
DQ Canada says Kerr was nominated by Jada Kook, community engagement manager at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, for her fundraising efforts, community leadership and impact on Miracle Treat Day, DQ’s annual fundraiser supporting local CMN hospitals, including Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. She consistently ranks among DQ Canada’s top 10 fundraisers and has doubled her store’s contributions in just two years.
Highlights of Kerr's contributions include:
- Raising more than $131,785 for Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, including record Miracle Treat Day totals of $27,746 in 2024 (highest in Saskatchewan) and $42,658.59 in 2025, with over $100,000 raised in the past five years alone.
- Transforming Miracle Treat Day into a community-wide celebration by mobilizing more than 50 volunteers, engaging seven rural communities and rallying local businesses. One initiative, having businesses “sponsor” entire classrooms, ensured that every child in Moosomin, Wapella, Maryfield, Wawota, Kennedy, Rocanville and Esterhazy received a Blizzard Treat on their first day back to school.
- Beyond DQ initiatives, she supports more than 40 local programs that benefit children and families, including school meal and supply programs, playground fundraisers, reading and dance program prizes, safety initiatives with local law enforcement, holiday gift drives and community cleanups.
DQ Canada says Kerr's commitment to her community runs deep. She leads by example, inspires her team to get involved and brings people together to support children, families, seniors, teachers and newcomers, including helping with essentials such as housing, healthcare and groceries as they build a life in the area.
