Young Brothers Turn Lemonade Stand into Fundraiser for The Salvation Army
Chase, 10, and Rylan, 8, are two brothers who, despite being only 15 months apart, have different personalities. While one enjoys cozy days indoors building LEGO, the other likes spending time outdoors. Although they may not share all the same interests, they have one thing in common. They like to help others.
A few weeks ago, as part of Chase’s birthday celebrations, the brothers decided to set up a lemonade stand and raise money to buy their favourite video game.
“We did it because we heard many people were going hungry.”
After learning that The Salvation Army food bank in Parksville, B.C., needed donations because of high demand for its services, the two boys thought they should give some of the proceeds to the organization to help those less fortunate.
“We did it because we heard many people were going hungry,” Chase says.
The lemonade stand allowed Chase and Rylan to connect with lots of members of the community who were happy to support them.
“Some friends stopped by and they stayed with us for a bit too,” Rylan shares.
“A bus came by and every person in it got lemonade,” Chase adds.
By the end of the day, they collected $340 and donated $220 to The Salvation Army. The boys were able to buy the video game they had been saving for while also helping people along the way.
The brothers were motivated by their mother, Kaylie, who has always taught them about the importance of assisting those who are struggling. She was the one who shared a local post about the food bank’s needs with them.
Kaylie herself has previously volunteered in her community, so seeing her sons follow similar steps fills her with joy.
“It was nice to see them being a part of that,” Kaylie shares. “It makes me proud to see that they both have very naturally kind, caring and inclusive hearts.”
The lemonade stand was not the boys’ first experience giving back. In the past, their family has handed out Christmas cards at a seniors’ home and chocolates to people on Valentine’s Day. They’ve done this to bring joy to those who may be feeling lonely.
Kaylie says that when her sons see someone experiencing homelessness, they are always willing to offer them food. She has also taught them about the importance of volunteering.
“Thank you for your big hearts and for inspiring all of us with your generosity.”
“If we don’t have the money to donate, we can do what? We can donate our time,” Kaylie tells them.
Staff at The Salvation Army in Parksville were very grateful for the donation and shared the following message on social media.
“Chase and Rylan, thank you for your big hearts and for inspiring all of us with your generosity. You are making a real difference in our community!”
Based on how eager Chase and Rylan were to assist families in need, it is safe to say this is just the beginning of many acts of kindness in the future.
Chase believes that if people come together to help, positive things can happen.
By Juan Romero
