LemonAID Day is back for its second year in St. Thomas and Elgin County, and organizers are hoping to squeeze even more success out of the local fundraiser in 2025.
Set for Saturday, June 7th, the event in partnership with Doug Tarry Homes, will once again see a sea of yellow across front lawns, business parking lots, and sidewalks, as families, local businesses, and community groups set up lemonade stands to raise money for the Elgin Children’s Foundation.
Roughly $13,000 was collected at LemonAID Day stands in 2024, with every dollar raised helping to send local kids involved with Family and Children’s Services to camp—opportunities they might not otherwise have.
“It’s more than just selling lemonade,” said Myles Proulx, Volunteer and Community Engagement Advocate with Family & Children’s Services of St. Thomas and Elgin County, who helped launch the initiative locally after hearing about it from the Niagara Children’s Aid Foundation.
Proulx says something even more impressive than the dollar amount raised in the inaugural year, was the community comradery it brought about.
This time around, roughly 40 stands are expected compared to the 25 last year, with each receiving a start-up kit explains Proulx.
A new feature this year is the Lemon Twist Off, a promotional event happening May 22nd in the agency’s parking lot from 3 to 5 p.m. Proulx says it’s a great chance for those hoping to take part, to learn more.
Not able to host a stand? Proulx shares how you can still support the cause day of.
A number of local schools will also be taking part the week leading up to LemonAID Day- all in support of this amazing cause.
Because as Proulx shared, the fundraiser’s impact goes well beyond its dollar total.
“It’s about looking outside ourselves and doing something that really matters,” Proulx added. “And in this day and age, that feels more important than ever.”
Those interested in running a stand can register for free at childrensfoundation.on.ca under the LemonAID Day tab. Once the limit is reached, a waitlist will open.
Written by: K. Freeman
