Ice Cream Aboard: RCN Sailor Donates Ice Cream Money to EMFRC

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper

What began as a simple way to brighten a sailor’s day at sea has since turned into thousands of dollars raised for charity. On March 3 at the Colwood Pacific Activity Centre (CPAC), Sergeant (Sgt) Dan Jacklin presented a $2,250 donation to the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (EMFRC) — proceeds from an ice cream stand he currently runs aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina.

Sgt Jacklin, the ship’s Senior Meteorological Forecaster, has spent nearly a decade scooping ice cream for his shipmates during deployments, turning a small morale booster into a now longstanding charitable tradition. Sgt Jacklin took over the effort in 2017 from Sgt Michael Foulkes who was posted off the ship later that year. Since then, over $13,000 has been raised for various causes.

“I mostly do it because I enjoy it,” said Sgt Jacklin. “People onboard often really look forward to having a break from the ship’s routine, no matter how small. Sometimes getting a Häagen-Dazs or Melona ice cream can do it.”

Sgt Jacklin’s military service spans nearly four decades. He first joined the Army Reserves in 1987 with the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada before transitioning to the Regular Force in 2007. In 2012, Sgt Jacklin later transitioned into the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as a Meteorological Technician, a role that eventually brought him back to sea in support of naval operations. Over the years, Sgt Jacklin has brought the ice cream stand to several ships.

“I’ve had many people say how much they enjoyed taking their ice cream out on the flight deck and relaxing while watching the sun go down in the South China Sea,” said Sgt Jacklin. “While most people want to give to charity, sometimes it’s hard to see what’s in it for them. This way they get a direct, immediate benefit too.”

“I won’t lie, I also like doing it because it is a little out of the ordinary,” shared Sgt Jacklin.

This year, Sgt Jacklin decided to direct a portion of the proceeds to the EMFRC, an organization that supports military families through programs; advocacy; community services; and more. The decision was a personal one. “My family has taken advantage of many programs the MFRC offers, especially during my deployments,” he said.

Sgt Jacklin’s wife, Emily Zhong, knows the EMFRC well. Having served as a director of the board from 2015 to 2025, Emily has witnessed firsthand the impact the organization has on military families. “Over those years, I had the privilege of seeing up close the incredible dedication of our executive director, her team, and the many volunteers who have generously given both time and talents,” said Emily. “Their unwavering commitment to military families has shone in every program, service, act of advocacy, and community connection.”

To Emily, choosing to donate to the EMFRC was more than an easy decision; it was also an emotional one.

“Supporting the EMFRC comes from a place of deep gratitude. And yes… I may have also contributed a little to his [Sgt Jacklin’s] ice cream selections!”

To Jackie Carlé, EMFRC Executive Director, the donation is another example of the generosity that continues to exist within the local Defence community. “These funds will be leveraged to support military families impacted by deployments,” shared Carle. “We are so grateful to Dan for his generosity, and hard work scooping ice cream for charities in our community!”