CancerCare to host annual summer fundraiser

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This article was published 26/05/2024 (489 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A group of Winnipeg children are fighting back against their loved ones’ cancer diagnoses, turning lemons into lemonade with the help of CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.

The provincial cancer agency, which provides clinical services to children and adults, is preparing to host its third annual Lemonade Stand For Hope summer fundraiser.

The program encourages enthusiastic youth to set up lemonade stand fundraisers, providing education and hope in the face of tragic circumstances.

“It’s about taking your grief and turning it into purpose. I know sometimes kids can feel really helpless, and this is a fun and enthusiastic way for them to take action and to support important cancer research,” said Winnipeg resident Cynthia Mitchell.

“It’s about taking your grief and turning it into purpose.”–Cynthia Mitchell

Mitchell was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in 2021. She is among hundreds of cancer patients directly benefiting from the stands, which fund research, treatment and clinical services in Manitoba.

Mitchell’s daughter Wynn, 10, participated in the fundraiser with five of her friends last summer. The group raised roughly $1,500.

They hope to replicate their success this summer.

“This is a really important cause that is really hitting home for these kids and they’ve decided they are going to do an annual Lemonade Stand for Hope because it is something relevant for them,” Mitchell said.

“Seeing my child and her friends take this initiative, I couldn’t be prouder as a mom or as a member of this community… It’s really super heartwarming,” Mitchell said.

The Lemonade Stand For Hope program began in 2019 but was postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program returned last summer, with around 200 people generating more than $130,000 across the province, said Sherelle Kwan, manager of community events and development for CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.

“There is beauty when we come together and when we support one another. Aside from the funds raised, which are really important, it is truly bringing hope and it’s bringing compassion and kindness,” Kwan said of the fundraiser.

Aside from the funds raised, which are really important, it is truly bringing hope and it’s bringing compassion and kindness.”–Sherelle Kwan

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

Registration for the fundraiser is now open.

CancerCare Manitoba provides all registrants with a free starter kit containing lemonade mix, fundraising signage and a tracking sheet. People living in the city are asked to pick their kits up from 825 Sherbrook St. from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

CancerCare Manitoba will mail kits to registrants living outside the city.

While the fundraiser officially takes place between July 19 to 21, participants can set up their stands anytime over the summer.

Participants are welcome to host their stands at their homes, or at a nearby high-foot-traffic area such as a community centre or park, or during local community events such as tournaments or fairs.

Registrants are asked to indicate the date(s) and time(s) they are planning to open their stand so it can be added to an interactive map of active stands throughout the province.

More information is available on the CancerCare Manitoba website.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca