On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, the Grade 1/2 students of Salle 18 at École Constable Edward Finney School hosted a Lemonade Stand for HOPE, raising funds for the CancerCare Foundation of Manitoba. 

Leading up to the end of the year, I wanted my students to have a meaningful project to work towards. Several students in my room have been showing interest in philanthropy. We decided to host a Lemonade Stand for HOPE, raising funds for the CancerCare Foundation of Manitoba. We talked about the importance of giving back to others, what cancer is, and why hosting an event like this is important.

We checked the school calendar and the weather and decided Tuesday was the best day, and that we would host our Lemonade Stand for HOPE from 10:30-1:30. Then the preparation began.  We made posters in French and English, walked around the community to distribute them and talk about our event. We sent out emails to radio stations and important people in our community. I also encouraged  families to share with friends, family, and colleagues. 

The kids pre wrote lemon shaped thank you cards and made lemon themed art for an art instillation for our visitors to enjoy. 

The outpouring support from families before the event even began was overwhelming. One student and his mom graciously baked cupcakes to have at our Lemonade Stand for HOPE. 

The day before, we set up our stand in the classroom as a practice run to make sure that everything was perfect. The kids made gorgeous signs to hold up and gain attention from foot and vehicle traffic. 

On Tuesday June 24th, the day was finally here. Our classroom was buzzing with excitement and it was time to set up. The students and I carefully brought everything outside. 

Just as we finished setting up, our first customer arrived!  We had a steady flow of customers. As each one arrived, you could feel just how proud the children were of their hard work. 

We are gracious for visitors like Brody Jackson form QX104 and the honourable Mintu Sandhu, MP. 

Many families shared how cancer has impacted their lives. There were smiles, tears, pictures, and full hearts. 

Our goal was to reach $200 in donations. My Grade 1/2’s were eager to know just how much we were able to collect. After we cleaned up the stand, it was time to count the cash donations. Their eyes got bigger and bigger as we counted by hundreds… and over one thousand! 

Between cash and online donations, our classroom raised over $1500 for the CancerCare Foundation at our Lemonade Stand for HOPE. 

I am so proud of my students for accomplishing such an amazing feat. 

Thank you to families, staff, and the greater community for supporting this important philanthropic initiative for the Grade 1/2 students in Salle 18 at École Constable Edward Finney School. 

-Anna Kovacs, classroom teacher