The stand began at 8 a.m. and people were lined up to get a delicious summer drink and donate money prior to the opening. All proceeds went towards Sick Kids Hospital. Visitors could ‘donate what you wanted’ while they got to enjoy lemonade, baked goods and candy that were available at the stand.
Aside from the snacks and refreshments, the public was invited to share their Sick Kids’ stories and take pictures for this one-day event. Hearing the various experiences that visitors told the Gemmitis was rewarding and inspirational when they put on the lemonade stand.
“We're hearing all kinds of amazing stories from people that have been there and people that are currently there who are joining us at our lemonade stand,” he said. “Even strangers are putting in large amounts of money so it's just an incredible day.”
”It's pretty hyped up the whole time but there are a few moments where we met a girl today that's in and out of Sick Kids and you can't help but get a little emotional hearing it,” said Dan. “It's a very powerful day.”
The brothers have had a close family member who has used Sick Kids Hospital’s services but know several people who have benefitted from it.
“We're blessed to have a big community here but there's so many family and friends that we know that have been there and have benefitted from that great hospital so it really is a great place,” explained Dion. “It's where miracles happen and Peterborough's been great to support it.”
The jar of donations was almost full in the last hour of the lemonade stand but there was no goal for the fundraiser according to the Gemmitis.
“It's not goal-driven by the money, it's goal-driven by the feel-good stories,” explained Dion. “Our heart is full and it will be for a long time. The money is secondary to bringing everybody together.”
The fundraising lemonade stand was the second consecutive year the brothers ran it. They aim to continue it annually for as long as possible.
