Any justification to eat ice cream, you can count me in.

So let me tell you about the most recent charity drive being held today by another of our fast food restaurants - it seems the likes of MickieD, Timmy's, and Wendy's have defintely refined the art of these annual fundraising drives.

As you might have already guessed - by my reference to ice cream - the charity drive I'm telling you about today is being hosted by Dairy Queen, where the purchase of a cool treat will benefit BC Children's Hospital.

I got a chuckle out of their promotional information that crossed my desk(top).

When is a forecast of blizzards good for British Columbia?

On Thursday, July 26 (today), when the community comes together for the annual DQ Miracle Treat Day. Proceeds from every Blizzard sold are dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children who depend on BC Children's Hospital.

Last year, participating Dairy Queen locations in B.C. raised more than $348,735 for BC Children's Hospital. And Dairy Queen has been a supporter of the Children's Miracle Network since 1984, raising more than $90 million to date.

So consider doing your part. If you have a hankering for ice cream, drop in to one of our four DQ locations: Aldergrove, Walnut Grove, Willowbrook, or downtown Langley.

Just don't run me over, in your stampede to get a Blizzard.

KICKING OFF NEW BUSINESS

Two Langley firefighters have teamed up in a new entrepreurial venture aimed at keeping young children healthy through soccer.

Ken Eyjolfson and Devin Nunemaker are not only keeping their communities safe, but in their off-duty time they've started a franchise company called Soccer Shots Fraser Valley.

Soccer Shots offers a program for children ages two to eight years old, where these instructors meet once a week at daycare centres, schools, and parks throughout the community to introduce the child to soccer.

As partners in both business and firefighting, Eyjolfson and Nunemaker hope to install their system of values and athletics learned through their careers together through Soccer Shots.

"We not only teach soccer skills, but also work on improving balance, coordination, and agility with the kids. Soccer Shots also uses the sessions to teach children important concepts such as teamwork, sharing and respect," the pair said on their website, www. soccershots.org/fraservalley/.

rhooper@langleyadvance.com