Hosting a lemonade stand for just two hours in the pouring rain in the middle of rural Richmond is hardly a recipe for a successful business venture.
Suffice to say, Kelly and Kyle May were stunned, to say the least, when they realized Saturday’s event – in honour of their four-year-old daughter Morgan – had raised more than $15,000 and still counting for BC Children’s Hospital.
The family was ably assisted by a small army of family members and friends who “staffed” Morgan’s Lemonade Stand to collect funds for the hospital, which is caring for Morgan during her fight against leukemia.
And they all sported “Unicorn Squad” T-shirts; a nod to when Morgan was in hospital and she, by chance, received an unusual number of unicorn-themed cards and presents.
“We wanted to teach our children about giving back and show BC Children’s Hospital how much we appreciate them. We also wanted to come together as a community,” said mom-of-three Kelly May of the event which was held at the May family’s Fowl Farmer, near their home at No. 7 and Cambie roads.
“BC Children’s is the most amazing hospital in the world. We’ve raised more than $15,000 already and we’re still waiting on some pledges to come in.”
How did they get so much from a two-hour lemonade stand?
“Eh, I think there were a few company cheques in the pot,” laughed May.
“I think there were a lot of people out there that wanted to help us but just didn’t know how to.”
Morgan was diagnosed with leukemia just after her fourth birthday in April and is now in the fifth month of a two-year-long chemotherapy treatment.
“Right now, she’s entering the really hard phase and is starting to get frail and lose her hair,” said her mom, adding that Morgan will keep attending her Noah’s Ark pre-school class for another week before taking a break until at least January.
“Between now and January will be a tough time for her. She’s about as aware of (the leukemia) as a four-year-old can be I guess. She knows she has cancer and it’s more than the common cold.”
If you’d like to donate in honour of Morgan, go online to BCchildrens.ca/Donate and make a contribution in the name of Morgan May.
