Funding hope, year after year

East Winnipeg

West Winnipeg

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This article was published 29/05/2024 (505 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Nothing brings people together quite like the chance to help others.

Following a successful fundraising effort last year, which raised just over $100,000, Lemonade Stands for Hope, will return this summer in support of the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.

As the name suggests, the fundraising campaign collects donations through independently run lemonade stands. Anyone, of any age, who sets up a stand is welcome to take part — provided they’re open to spending some time outside to sell lemonade — and are encouraged to do so from anywhere in the province.

Participants are encouraged to create their own stands and decorate them, as well, but all of the ingredients necessary to create the sweet drink itself are provided, for free, by the foundation, in the form of accessible kits. As of May 21, those with registered stands has been able to pick up their kits at 824 Sherbrook St., from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

The official window for Lemonade Stands for Hope is July 19 to 21, but those unable to participate that weekend are encouraged to operate their stands at any time throughout the summer, said Laura Curtis, director of marketing and communications at CancerCare Manitoba. Some participants have registered and picked up their kits already, she said.

“(The program) is a great way for young people to get involved in their community and make a difference for Manitobans affected by cancer,” Curtis said. “Last year, there were more than 200 stands throughout the province, and we’re hoping to exceed that number this year.”

When registering a stand, participants will be asked to indicate the dates and times the stand is active so that they can be included in the event’s official map, which can be found online.

The Lemonade Stands for Hope campaign began in 2020, and has been growing steadily with each year — both in the number of stands participating and funds raised.

All event participants are called ‘Heroes of Hope,’ and receive certificates to recognize their efforts, according to the official website.

All funds collected will remain with the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, aiding local cancer research and patient care.

For more information, reach out to 204-784-2777 or special.events@cancercare.mb.ca, or visit cancercarefdn.mb.ca