Sudbury kids’ drink stand aims to prove it’s not about profits

Two Sudbury girls, both 11, are running a free drink stand Saturday to raise donations for three charities, while learning business skills.

Two Sudbury youth are busy preparing for a busy weekend of serving up some free refreshments for a good cause.

Friends Mary Abejide and Abigail Delgado came up with the idea a month ago while they were playing outside.

“We both figured out that we like cooking, making drinks, and, yeah, we figured that we could make our own little business,” Mary said.

This Saturday, the 11-year-olds will be serving up refreshments. While the beverages will be free, donations are encouraged.

Proceeds raised will go to PetSave Sudbury, the HSN Foundation NEO Kids Pediatric Fund and the Sudbury Regional Tree Fund.

“All of the charities that we’re going to help is needed for the environment and for the people and for the animals,” Abigail said.

The beverages will include a fusion of Abigail and Mary’s respective cultures.

“We thought of Peruvian drinks with some Nigerian drinks,” Abigail said.

“That’s from Peru and Zobo was from Nigeria.”

Julianah Abejide, Mary’s mom, said the initiative had led to a connection between the families.

“The girls made the moms connects,” she said.

“They are good friends. Best of friends. And as a result, the moms also come together. I believe we are good friends now. So, yes, one chain effect led to another.”

Elba Espino, Abigail’s mom, said she’s proud of how much her daughter has learned.

“I’m proud because they came up with this idea they want to share. It’s not about profits,” she said.

“I think that what they are taking with them is that every project, any project that they will work on takes time, patience, pontification.”

Abejide said they’ve both learned communication and leadership skills.

“It’s a way of mingling with people, showing kindness and compassion, giving back to the community, you know, also helping other children see that indeed compassion,” she said.

They’ve also learned about the importance of giving back.

“We’ve been learning, like, not every time when you, give something to someone, you shouldn’t always, think that they’ll have to give you something back,” Mary said.

Abigail and Mary will be at the United Pentecostal Church on LaSalle Boulevard on July 18 from noon to 4 p.m.

There will also be music, activities and a raffle.