MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release
October 6, 2023

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY – This summer, Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) Foundation extended a warm invitation to the west Northumberland community and beyond to help turn lemons into lemonade and raise funds for NHH. Starting in July 2023 and returning for a second year, the Foundation promoted Lemon-Aid for NHH as a fun and innovative fundraising project for the young and young-at-heart.

The Foundation team remained optimistic in hopes of witnessing the community’s united support once again this year – and support they did. In a remarkable collective effort, 18 lemonade stands sprang into action over the summer months, successfully generating just over $6,050 to help fund beanies as well as specialty socks and gloves for patients receiving chemotherapy at the hospital’s Lions and Lioness Cancer and Supportive Care Clinic.

“We are genuinely amazed by the spirit of our community members, both young and young-at-heart, who enthusiastically stepped forward to host Lemon-Aid stands in support of NHH,” reflects Rhonda Cunningham, NHH Foundation CEO. “We have enjoyed meeting numerous young philanthropists in our community who have inspired and instilled a sense of optimism for the future. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Foundation’s steadfast friends and local businesses such as The Capitol Theatre in Port Hope, Schmidt Law, Shelter Valley Park, Touch of Sparkle, Saint Peter’s Church, Port Hope Makers’ Market, Vandermeer Toyota, and Colborne Hawks Peewee #2 team who collaborated with us in hosting Lemon-Aid stands this summer.”

Lemon-Aid was supported by Davis’ Your Independent Grocer in Port Hope, with participants receiving kits inclusive of gift cards to Independent to kick start their stands. Hosts planned and executed their individual stands, with many displaying creativities beyond hand-squeezed lemonade with the sale of additional treats, handmade jewelry, art, and more – hosts truly went the extra mile.

The Foundation wrapped up this initiative with a short celebration on October 4, where hosts were invited to gather for a presentation that included the unveiling of the grand total raised and a display of the specialty products purchased. Joining at this celebration was special guest, Kate Lennan, who is currently receiving cancer care at NHH. Lennan spoke to the hosts, offering words of gratitude for their efforts and commenting on the exceptional care provided by the team at NHH.

“Seeing the youth of today getting involved is truly heartwarming and humbling,” shared Lennan. “I cannot thank the stand hosts enough along with those who came together with their families, friends and neighbours to support NHH. To all the generous community members who stopped by the stand to contribute, I am forever grateful. The special gloves, slippers and beanies that Lemon-AID fundraised for will be essential for the care of cancer patients, like me, at NHH. Thank you to all involved!”

For more information on how you can support NHH Foundation, please visit www.nhhfoundation.ca.