A refreshing way to help at Christmas

“Lemonade, lemonade, get your lemonade,” called Austin, 8, as he and his little sister Elizabeth, 6, set up a jug, cups and a sign on a table in the park. They didn’t know it yet; but soon everyone in their neighbourhood would get behind them in a common goal: to make Christmas extra-special for kids in need.

A caring little boy, Austin, had his lightbulb moment to fundraise after a visit to the local children’s hospital. As he waited to see his little brother, who was getting treatment for a bad burn last year, Austin looked around at all the sick children in hospital for Christmas. He then expanded his thoughts to all the children in Australia who were going without a normal Christmas, due to illness or poverty. How could he bring them some joy?

“Austin knows there are lots of children who are less fortunate than him,” says his mum Tegan. “He came to me and asked if he could do a lemonade stall to raise money and buy presents for kids in need. Austin wanted to try and reach as many children as he could – and we knew The Smith Family was the organisation who could help us do that.” 

The whole family got right behind Austin’s fundraising venture; sourcing ingredients and equipment, advertising the stall and making the lemonade. Local businesses pitched in too; donating lemons, ice and a gazebo, to make it a real community affair.  

“Austin loves being in the kitchen, cooking and making stuff,” says his mum. “Being able to actually squeeze all the lemons by hand and make the lemonade gave him a great sense of achievement.”

Nothing could have prepared Austin and his sister Elizabeth for the crowds their lemonade drew. It was a scorching summer day and their neighbours were very keen to slurp down lemonades - and help bring cheer to children on need at the same time.

“It was quite amazing to see,” says Austin’s mum. “A lot of the kids kept coming back for more lemonade and each time they would bring more money. We even had people visit the stall, who didn’t buy lemonade, but gave $10 or $20 donations. It was amazing to see what a caring community we live in.”

Once the lemonade ran out, the next step was to count the takings. Austin, Elizabeth and their parents could not believe the total: over $620, including lemonade sales and donations. 

The family’s next stop was the local shopping mall, where they thoughtfully selected 47 toys and four books to give as gifts for disadvantaged children through the 2019 The Smith Family’s Christmas Toy and Book Appeal. The gifts were then distributed by our volunteers and opened up last Christmas by excited children who would have otherwise gone without. Sadly, as we come to the end of a very tough year, even more children could go without a festive gift in 2020 – making community fundraisers like Austin’s more vital than ever.

"Austin and Elizabeth are very kind, gentle souls who love to help people,” says their mum. "I couldn't be prouder that it was Austin’s idea: we just helped him make it happen. Christmas is such an important time for kids: If you can, I would highly recommend holding a community fundraiser to support the work of The Smith Family."

Find out what you can do to bring Christmas joy to children in need.