Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Lemonade may be a sweet treat, but what one local family does for the Stollery Children’s Hospital each year is even sweeter!
Each year in August, the Lessard – Blanchette – Wirove – Maisonneuve families hosts a Lemonade Stand in Falher on behalf of the Stollery Children’s Hospital.
Kristen Blanchette says she and her mother and sisters, along with their children, have decided to continue the tradition this year, hoping to help raise funds for the Stollery.
“The kids love to do it!” exclaims Blanchette.
“They start asking us in April to make sure we have registered for it. We also really think it’s important for our kids to learn to give to others.”
This year’s theme is Sippin’ Sunshine for the Stollery (Stand #3920). Blanchette says their stand will be available on Friday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The stand will be at 13-3rd Ave SW in Falher, one block west of the big bee. She adds that there will be signs erected throughout town.
“The lemonade stand involves all of the kids, and we have a rotating schedule for who is working the stand and a list of other jobs that the kids do,” Blanchette explains.
“Also, as the kids get older they take on new roles in the stand to help and it’s nice to see them take the initiative for different tasks for the stand now.”
Simply Supper’s Lemonade Stand Day is a program that gives children the chance to run a business and to learn about customer service, all while raising money for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. According to the Stollery website, over 400 lemonade stands across the province are erected supporting the hospital.
Although the event is planned and managed by Simply Supper and a volunteer committee, proceeds are all donated back to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. Blanchette says the hospital has been instrumental in her family’s life, with multiple family members having to use the hospital.
She and her children Rosalynn and Remy, her mother Marion Lessard, sisters Taryn Wirove and Celty Maisonneuve, and their children Nash Maisonneuve, Maelle Maisonneuve, Nate Wirove and Ellie Maisonneuve, were excited to raise funds for such an important hospital in our province.
“Many members in our family have had to use the Stollery in the past and we really want it to continue to be there when we or others need it in the future,” Blanchette says.
“Our goal is to raise $2,500 this year.”
This year, all funds accumulated through the province will contribute to the Stollery Pediatric Diabetes Education Centre (PDEC). Funds raised will go toward a three-year project aiming to enhance patient and family experiences, improve access to care and develop diabetes resources for children, families, and health-care providers.
“I think most people know someone who has had to use the Stollery so this is a way that they can give back,” Blanchette says, adding she hopes to see people out on Aug. 22 at their booth.
“This teaches our children the importance of helping others and that we are all interconnected. Each year the stand has something different that is supported at the Stollery, so over the years they are seeing little ways that we have been able to help.”