We’ve all heard the saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and the Lemonade Day Initiative is becoming an all hands on deck. A big part of raising a child is also looking to their future and tapping into the age old question ‘what do you want to be when you grow up?’ Some may wonder why we as a community should care – but as these youngsters are our future…investing in their youth and learning might be worth it.
The Lemonade Day tent has been popping up all over our city to get Chestermere kids and adults excited to be a part of this inspiring event. Lemonade Day is a community-wide educational program that teaches youth the entrepreneurial skills necessary to start, own, and operate their own business–a lemonade stand. Youth learn the steps and planning necessary to start a business, but just as important, learn valuable life skills, such as leadership, collaboration, responsibility, and teamwork. They learn to set a goal, make a plan, and work their plan to achieve their dreams. In the process, they experience a new level of confidence, and some for the first time, see new possibilities for their future.
On Saturday June 11th, Chestermere is taking its turn hosting our own Lemonade Day and registration starts April 4th for any youth in the community that want to run their own business for a day…..that business being, of course, a lemonade stand.
Events like this would be next to impossible without the support of volunteers and sponsors. So far, three amazing sponsors have stepped up and have joined the Lemonade Day craze.
Century Carpet One located in Chestermere, has come in as a ‘Fresh Squeeze’ sponsor with a $1500 donation and Wise and Company Professional Accountants who came in at the ‘Lemonade Drop’ level of sponsorship with a $500 donation.
On Friday February 12th, the Chestermere Lions Club presented a $3000 cheque as a ‘Main Squeeze’ sponsorship donation to the Lemonade Day initiative. “Sponsors like these are a huge benefit to the youth and Lemonade Day as a whole,” said David Petrovich, Economic Development Officer with the City of Chestermere.
So how can you get involved? The organizing committee for Lemonade Day is still looking for mentors and sponsors! If you’re interested in being a part of this, you can contact David Petrovich at dpetrovich@chestermere.ca or check out www.chestermere.lemonadeday.org
