This past weekend, the Sweetland family who live in Oakville, Manitoba turned a simple lemonade stand into a heartfelt community fundraiser in support of CancerCare Manitoba Foundation's Lemonade for Hope campaign.
For Kelly Sweetland, the initiative is deeply personal. "When my mother-in-law passed away eight years ago, we felt the need to fundraise for cancer care in her memory," she explained. Since then, more friends and family members have been affected by cancer, motivating the Sweetland's to continue fundraising.
What started as a lemonade stand quickly grew into something bigger. With the help of close friends, the family offered hot dogs, baked goods, and multiple types of lemonade, all to raise funds and awareness.
"We just wanted to do a little extra to draw more people in," Kelly said.
The event also served as a meaningful teaching moment for the next generation. Kelly’s 8-year-old daughter, Ayla Sweetland, played a big role in organizing and running the stand.
"She's old enough now to understand how important it is to give back," said Kelly, "When I tried to help, Ayla and her friend Marley DeLong just shooed me away, they had it under control."
Ayla added, "I wanted to do it because my Pop has cancer, and I wanted to help him."
Following the success of their weekend event, the Sweetland's have been invited to set up their stand at the Oakville Farmers Market this Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Ayla and Marley will be back in action, selling lemonade and baked goods for a cause that hits close to home for many in and around the community of Oakville and beyond.
The Lemonade for Hope campaign, which is organized by the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, encourages families and individuals to host lemonade stands and raise funds to support Manitobans affected by cancer.
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