Lemonade Stand

Lewis and Lily's lemonade stand by a rural road turned out to be quite a success. Many people stopped for a small (25 cents) or large (50 cents) fresh squeezed drink made by their own hands, juice of the gods, as they would put it. They decided to donate half of their profit to their separate charity. Lily chose to give her portion to the children fighting cancer at the DuPont Hospital nearby. She has a five year old friend who has been fighting cancer for over three years now.

Lewis decided to donate his portion to the orangutans orphaned by the destruction of their natural habitat to make way for agriculture and palm oil groves. (Recently, New Zealand Cadbury chocolate company in Dunedin has pledged not to use this oil in their products any more). As Lewis tried to explain to one customer: "I'm donating my money to the orangutans because they have a palm oil allergy." I'd say so!

Just about every customer were very supportive often giving a lot more in donations to their cause. One kind man gave them a twenty dollar bill for a large glass of lemonade and told them to keep the change.

I sat in the shade of a towering tree nearby, keeping my distance so they felt they were independent merchants, yet close enough to help out when needed. Feeling the warm breeze, listening to a peaceful buzz of the birds and bees, watching these two six-year-olds sitting patiently for their customers against a brilliant blue sky, this was a memorable and unique moment for two best friends. People are capable of being so good. It gives me hope.