DW-DQ
Estevan DQ owners: “It was the most amazing thing”
By David Willberg
dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca
It came together quickly, and it proved to be an overwhelming success.
The Estevan DQ Grill and Chill/Orange Julius restaurant held a fundraiser for the Humboldt Broncos on April 11, and it raised a total of $23,353. All of the restaurant’s sales during the day were donated, and the staff also contributed their wages for the day to the fund.
In an interview with the Mercury, Lorette Zohner and Louise Vandenhurk said they were discussing ways of how they could assist the Broncos organization. The staff had been considering options as well.
The first discussions were on April 9.
“What we do best is serve. That’s what we do,” said Vandenhurk. “We put it to the staff, and said … ‘We will donate a day of 100 per cent of our sales, if you guys want to donate your time.’”
Not only did the promotion come together quickly, but the staff wore special uniforms with white t-shirts for the day and created a display. Zohner made sure the restaurant ordered additional food supplies.
Zohner and Vandenhurk admitted they never expected to raise so much money.
“It’s very, very humbling,” said Vandenhurk. “The one thing about this community is they always put forth these efforts. When Fort Mac (Fort McMurray) had their fires, the community stood behind us. We did a similar event for them (the people of Fort McMurray), and we sent the money up to Fort Mac.
“It’s our little part that we can do to maybe help a little bit.”
Before the day started, Zohner predicted the restaurant wouldn’t have a spare moment to rest.
“It was the most amazing thing that all of us have done since we’ve owned this store,” said Vandenhurk. “This community comes out and they support. And there were long waits because the kitchen was swamped.”
At one point, six cooks were in the kitchen trying to keep pace with the demand. People were patient and understanding despite the long lineups for service, both inside the restaurant and the drive-thru.
Not only were people lined up outside the door during the peak periods at lunch and supper time, but the restaurant was full during the quieter times. The drive-thru lineup extended more than a block to Souris Avenue North.
All 25 employees at the restaurant worked at some point that day, and they did a good job of meeting the demand.
Those who worked during the morning and afternoon shift came back on their own during the evening because they knew the fundraiser was still going on and customers were still coming.
They had help from the community during the day. The Power Dodge Estevan Bruins billet moms came during the busy noon hour rush, and helped with cleaning tables and distributing food.
“They were a big help,” said Vandenhurk. “It was great to have that support as well. The staff enjoyed having them in here.”
The restaurant also ran out of buns and other supplies during the day, but A&W supplied 30 dozen buns to the restaurant, which helped them finish the day.
The money that was raised will go to the Broncos organization. Vandenhurk noted the Estevan DQ has approached Power Dodge Estevan Bruins head coach and general manager Chris Lewgood to put the money where it is needed in the Broncos organization.
