What started as a neighbourhood lemonade stand idea has grown into one of Niagara’s most impactful summer events. This year’s Mountainview LemonAID Day raised more than $92,000 in support of FACS Niagara, opening the door for more than 400 children to enjoy an estimated 600 weeks of summer camp.
Across the region, 95 teams set up shop on Saturday, June 7, offering up lemonade in exchange for donations to help local children experience the magic of summer camp. The initiative brought together families, businesses, and community groups in a collective effort to create lasting memories for kids involved with Family and Children’s Services.
“All kids deserve to have the chance to enjoy summer and experience everything summer camp has to offer,” said Rhianon Burkholder, Foundation Board Chair. “We’re grateful to everyone who participated and donated so kids served by FACS would have an equitable opportunity to go to summer camp.”
Whether it’s a traditional day camp in Niagara or an overnight camp further afield, each child supported by the program is given an opportunity to choose a camp that fits their interests and passions.
“We have also been creative in tailoring these experiences according to the interests of the child,” said Anna Bozza, Chief Executive Officer of FACS Niagara. “Children have attended dance lessons, horse camp, or a variety of other specialized camps. Each year, we receive so many notes and drawings from children telling us about the wonderful summer they had, which is so heartwarming.”
The event’s success owes much to the continued partnership with Mountainview Building Group. Each team is equipped with all the necessary supplies to run a stand, allowing 100 per cent of donations to go directly to camp programming.
“Building strong communities should always be at the forefront and part of this is coming together for events like Mountainview LemonAID Day,” said Mark Basciano, President of Mountainview Building Group. “We are so happy to be a part of this initiative and are proud to do our part in making a meaningful impact on the community and lives of children.”
Additional thanks go out to Chris Riediger and Mike Sheridan, owners of Tim Hortons at 170 Fourth Ave. in St. Catharines, who provided the lemonade concentrate used at each stand. This small but essential detail kept the day running smoothly.
Among the many creative and enthusiastic teams was six-year-old Xavier and his family, whose stand, The Citrus Twists, earned the title of top fundraiser, bringing in an impressive $4,200.
Generous contributions from sponsors, including Alectra Utilities, Cotton Inc., Eleven Eleven Real Estate Services, Fonthill Lumber, and SilverLine Group Inc., further supported the day.
From hand-drawn signs to bright yellow pitchers, LemonAID Day was more than a fundraiser — it was a celebration of community spirit and a commitment to giving every child the kind of summer they deserve.
