Summer in Vancouver: A Lemonade Stand with a Difference

A lemonade stand on the corner is a classic sign of summer. When you stop by you get a refreshing beverage, you create a sense of goodwill, and you help a kid learn about business and entrepreneurship. What if the proceeds weren’t just going to the kid’s candy fund, though? Plan Canada’s Because I am a Girl initiative is encouraging kids to go above and beyond by challenging them to host Pink LemonAid fundraisers in their communities.

Investing in Girls

Because I am a Girl is a global movement for social change, which was launched in 2009. Plan Canada’s goal is to engage one million women and girls across the country, to help invest in girls and eliminate global poverty. They’re doing this by supporting education and health care, microfinancing and other entrepreneurial initiatives, and clean water and food security. Right now, 70% of the one billion people living in extreme poverty are girls and women. When we invest in girls we create empowered women, mothers and leaders who create big changes, and end that cycle of poverty.

In fact, for every year a girl stays in school, her income rises by 15%. That money directly benefits her children and her community. It also means a longer life – according to Plan Canada, pregnancy is the leading cause of death for girls between the ages of 15 and 19 worldwide. The more years of education that a girl receives, the later she’ll marry on average, which reduces the risks for herself and her children. While we’re having some summer fun, we can change the world.

Hold a Pink LemonAid Fundraiser this Summer

If you (or your kids) hold a Pink LemonAid fundraiser in your neighbourhood this summer, you’ll be working to create a brighter future for all girls. That’s pretty powerful stuff. To help you out, Plan Canada offers Pink LemonAid Kits, which contain helpful tips, educational materials and instructions. You can download yours from their website. By reviewing the materials with your kids you’ll be educating them, teaching them about the value of giving, and giving them the chance to take action.