IHOP across Canada will be giving away one  free short stack of buttermilk pancakes today for customers to mark the restaurant chain's third annual National Pancake Day charity fundraiser.

From 7 a.m,. to 7 p.m. today, IHOP customers will be able to get the free pancakes and leave behind a voluntary donation. In B.C., the donation fundraiser will support the BC Children's Hospital.

Leading up to today, IHOPs have also bee selling 鈥淢iracle Balloons鈥� for $1 and $5. Purchase of the $5 Miracle Balloon will transfer to a $5 discount coupon that can be used at the next visit to IHOP.

鈥淓veryone at IHOP, including our franchisees and team members, are thrilled to celebrate the third annual National Pancake Day in Canada,鈥� said Daniel Del Olmo, president, International, DineEquity, Inc., the parent company of IHOP.

鈥淭his annual tradition is demonstrative of the commitment we have to giving back to our local communities. Every pancake given away on National Pancake Day serves a purpose, and over the last three years, thanks to the generosity of our guests, we were able to help so many children in need.鈥�

Kara Meadow and her youngest child, Brody, spent many long days and weeks away from their 91大黄鸭 home at BC Children鈥檚 Hospital in Vancouver.

Brody was born with his bowels outside of his body, and pediatric surgical expertise was required for Brody to heal and properly grow.  鈥淲e know first-hand the incredible work that takes place at the hospital every day, and our family is grateful for the care Brody has received,鈥� said Kara.  鈥淣othing can prepare you for having a sick child, but knowing that fundraisers like National Pancake Day are providing funds for the urgent needs of the hospital that saved Brody鈥檚 life, demonstrates the huge network of support for families like ours.鈥�

The IHOP restaurant in 91大黄鸭 is located at 1950 Harvey Ave.