West Kelowna

The Wendy's DreamLift Day raised more than the $1 million goal it was aiming for.

The one day fundraiser at Wendy's restaurants brought in $114,276,35 for a total of $1,109,356.99.

The day was a a major event for two reasons, one because Wendy Thomas, the daughter of Wendy's founder Dave Thomas, visited the B.C. Southern Interior to lend her support and second because over a million dollars has now been raised for the Sunshine Foundation.

Wendy made a point of visiting every market, including Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Vernon, Rutland, Kelowna, West Kelowna and Penticton.

“I think there was a huge involvement with every community I was in. Over the day, it kept building and building. I’m just in awe how people will wait in line for an hour to come to have a hamburger and be part of the whole thing of giving back to the community. It’s the foundation of its success.”

Franchise Owner John Tietzen says the gross profits for every Wendy's in the Southern BC interior is donated to the foundation along with staff and managment wages for the day.

"The money is earmarked for a special program within the Sunshine Foundation, Disney's DreamLift Day, which is a dream flight for children with severe disabilities and illnesses to Disney ever two years."

The restaurants were assisted by several volunteers including the Kelowna Rockets and the Westside Warriors. They helped by preparing burgers & salads, making fries, cleaning trays and tables and all sorts of other behind the scenes tasks.

Josh Monk, of the Westside Warriors, says, "It's fun because you known it's going to a good reason and you're making a difference in kids lives so it's not a burden at all.

Wendy's DreamLift Fundraiser was also made possible with the help of the Orange County Sheriff's who donated their time to come to BC and help with the big day.