Local youths found a pot of gold during the hot days in Estevan.
Hunter Istace, Rowan and Kadence Grimes and Ella Smyth set up a stand selling cold drinks and tasty treats and raised an unbelievable sum. Once they were done with sales, they reached out to the Estevan Humane Society and offered to support the local shelter with what they've made.
"These kids just put on a lemonade stand on their own. I think it was just a weekend. And they happen to raise $490," said Estevan Humane Society manager Michaela Pho.
"It was just incredible. They had called here, and they're like, 'Can we stop by to drop off some money we raised selling lemonade?' And in my head I thought, you have your own lemonade stands as a kid and you think maybe they raised about 20 bucks. But no, they showed up with a lot of cash."
It was a very exciting moment for both the kids and the shelter.
Pho added that the kids did everything on their own and reached out to the shelter afterwards. And while other kids came up with some fundraising initiatives for the shelter before, this donation was very impressive.
Lisa Grimes explained that Kadence had a school project and was asked to do something in the community to make a difference.
"She came up with a plan, made a list of things she wanted there, with a list of supplies, and made a poster. She decided to do a lemonade/iced tea stand with treats over a two-day span and away she went with some little helpers along the way," Lisa Grimes said. "I'm so proud of the thought and work she put into this. Thank you to everyone who supported her stand, she successfully raised $490 for the Estevan Humane Society thanks to all of your support."
Pho added that the money the girls raised will help the shelter with medical bills.
"The money goes straight towards the animals and care. Usually, we're good on donations for food and stuff. So the medical bills, that is what the fundraising tends to go towards," Pho said.
The humane society was very grateful for the young individuals' thoughts and efforts.
They also said that if anyone else would like to do something to help the non-kill that is once again filled to capacity with cats and dogs, they can let them know and they will help promote any kind of event people want to run.
"If they wanted to let us know beforehand, we can definitely advertise for them and let people know. It's just a fun little thing, kids get to help and raise some money for some animals that don't have a home," Pho said.
"We're really grateful to all the little citizens that are trying to help out and help the animals. It will make a big difference for them."
