Manitobans are once again being encouraged to use lemonade to pour out support for those affected by cancer.
CancerCare Manitoba Foundation’s “Lemonade Stands for Hope” campaign is back for another summer to help do exactly that.
"It's an initiative we've run for the past few summers now, so we hope that it's sort of making a presence in our province and that people will be excited to join us again for this summer and host their own stands," said Sherelle Kwan, manager of community events and development at CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. "The concept is we have a free starter kit that we want to give to folks who register to host a stand in support of CancerCare Manitoba Foundation."
The free starter kit includes lemonade crystals, signage, fundraising tips and tools and a personal webpage to collect donations online.
Participants are encouraged to host their stands any time throughout the summer or take part during the weekend of July 18–20.
"We say if we all want to take a stand together, we would love for people to do that," said Kwan. "So, we kind of earmark that weekend to say, you know, let's all take a stand and let's have these lemonade stands right across the province."
Last year, there were 270 stands across the province. This year, CancerCare Manitoba Foundation hopes to see around 300.
"We're hoping more and more people will take part and really just embrace the simplicity of that, having a lemonade stand can really do a lot of good, and it can provide hope," said Kwan. "Whether you're taking a $2.00 donation or you're sending out your information to family and friends who are donating, it all really adds up and makes such a huge difference."
Last year, over $150,000 was raised from lemonade stands.
"Every dollar. Every donation adds up to such a large collective amount, and it all stays right here in Manitoba. So when we say it supports those you know and love, it really does. It will help your loved ones. It will help your neighbours, and we can support the work of Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation."
Anyone interested in registering for a "Lemonade Stands for Hope" starter kit is encouraged to visit LemonadeforHope.ca. Kits will be available for pickup starting May 20, 2025.