Skip to content

A sweet effort in Hespeler helps animals in need

'They worked all morning, making and getting the signs up. They’ve been involved with everything'
2022 2307 Lemonade stand BL 1
Maddy and Livvy Freeman are ready for business at their lemonade stand in Hespeler to support the Cambridge and District Humane Society.

It’s tough to beat freshly squeezed lemonade on a hot summer’s day in July.

That’s exactly what seven-year-old Maddy Freeman and her sister Livvy, 4, thought when they decided to take on an exciting business venture with a lemonade stand in their Hespeler neighbourhood on Saturday.  

Only the idea was not for personal gain. The sisters decided that all proceeds raised, will help support the Cambridge and District Humane Society.

“My husband thought this would be something fun for them to do. We sat down and talked to them about it, and they were really into the idea,” said the girl’s mother, Kryssy Freeman.

Her husband Mike built the lemonade stand and both girls helped paint it.

“It was a total team effort. We talked about what they would like to do with the proceeds. They really liked the idea of donating, so we picked a charity, the Cambridge and District Humane Society, and the girls were really excited about this,” Freeman said.

“They love animals, but we can’t have any at home because of my husband’s allergies, but we are so happy to support this cause.”

Michelle Gellatly, executive director at the Cambridge & District Humane Society, said needs have increased and unfortunately, financial and staffing resources to support that increased need, are not there.  

“Fundraising has been on hold for the most part and we are now looking for new fundraising initiatives to help us sustain all of the work that we do,” Gellatly said.

Gellatly said that as always, the Cambridge and District Humane Society is grateful for the donations received from the community.

“In our shelter world, it’s a special day when our community raises much needed funds for the animals in our care through birthday party donations, baking cupcakes, or lemonade sales,” Gellatly said.

“Donations are so important and greatly appreciated.”

Maddy and Livvy could not wait to open shop.

“They worked all morning, making and getting the signs up. They’ve been involved with everything,” Freeman said.

“Livvy is really getting into it and Maddy, she loves the business venture side of it. She gets really pumped about doing this kind of thing. She loves helping her community. She said this morning, she just wants to put a smile on people’s faces.”

And it wasn’t just refreshing lemonade that the girls had for sale. They also had their mom’s baked goods available that they too, helped prepare.

“We love them learning about how important community is in bringing people together. We really wanted them to be part of something like this,” Freeman said.

“Maddy always wants to put herself out there. This is right up her alley, and Livvy is just happy to follow her sister.”

“Look at all the people. Let’s get ready,” Maddy told her sister.

Neighbours lined up as the girls busily kept up with orders.

“This is so much fun,” Livvy said.

Freeman said her community is always there to show their support.

“We have such a great community here,” she said.

 “Since living here, I’ve never felt community like I do here in Hespeler.”


Reader Feedback

Barbara Latkowski

About the Author: Barbara Latkowski

Barbara graduated with a Masters degree in Journalism from Western University and has covered politics, arts and entertainment, health, education, sports, courts, social justice, and issues that matter to the community
Read more