Helping kids one squeeze at a time: Lemonade sales across Waterloo Region support camp dreams

Fifty lemonade stands popped up across Waterloo Region Saturday, all pouring toward a common goal: sending children to summer camp.

From New Hamburg to Cambridge, communities took part in LemonAID Day, an annual event organized by the Family & Children’s Services (FACS) Foundation. The event brought together families, children, community groups and local businesses who signed up to sell lemonade by donation.

Dr. Jill Stoddart, executive director of the FACS Foundation, poured lemonade at a stand that was set up in Carl Zehr Square in downtown Kitchener.

“Every cup counts because every dollar goes to sending kids to camp,” said Stoddart. “We’ve had lots of time to meet some new friends…and to talk about the work that we do. We’ve gone through several pitchers of lemonade already. People have been very generous [with] donating.”

Lemonade could be purchased using cash, card or through online donations. One hundred per cent of proceeds go toward sending local kids — many of whom are supported by FACS — to summer camp.

“I think camp is a great experience for all kids,” said Stoddart. “For many of the kids that FACS works with, a lot of those kids don’t have the same opportunities as other kids in the community to have those experiences like summer camp…without schools in the summer, there’s some kids that can have some long and lonely days.”

Stoddart said camp helps kids have a healthy well-being.

“Lots of us have great memories of summer camp and that’s what we want to share with all the kids in our region. Make sure everybody has a chance, just like those of us who might have great memories of selling lemonade as kids too. Which is why we’re combining the two things together.”

Stoddart said every $350 helps one kid go to camp.

Though most lemonade stands were squeezed dry by Saturday afternoon, the FACS Foundation aims to raise $50,000 through their website by September 1.