5-year-old Edison was moved by the impact of the Maui wildfires and wanted to do his part to help. Dedicating himself to a humble lemonade stand, little Edison made a big difference and taught adults everywhere a thing or two about taking positive action!
Seattle, USA (06 September 2023) — Little Edison’s humble lemonade stand has made a big difference in relief efforts for people impacted by the Maui wildfires in Hawaii. At the tender age of 5, Edison Juel heard the news that the places he had visited with his family not long before (Lahaina) were in trouble and became extremely concerned.
His childlike innocence couldn’t believe that something so awful was happening. As his mom shared:
“He’d ask if kids had really lost all their toys, or their bed, and then drop it, the issue clearly on his mind, but hard to process.”
However, Edison wanted to take positive action so he pitched the idea of a lemonade stand to his family.
The humble stand stood tall in late August where it showcased more transparency than most (what his mother shares as ‘delightful honesty’ and conveyed that the yellow lemonade isn’t all that good). Its biggest message in bright yellow shared that all the sales would be matched in donations from his parent’s companies.
Regardless of the yellow lemonade’s honesty, people came out to support little Edison in hoards. Through lemonade variations, popsicles and toys, he was about to raise over R30,000 ($1600) from stand visitors and people outside of the area, and with his parent’s companies’ matching donations, R153 859,20 ($8000).
Soon, that amount went up even more as more donations rolled in after people caught on to Edison’s mission. In total, over R300,000 went to the Maui Community Fund.
“Thanks for reminding us that generosity begets generosity, and letting us spend one of our best summer days watching our kiddo learn about helping and working hard. We are keenly aware that many in Lahaina are having some of their worst days, and we will continue to try and help them with resources and prayer. Thanks to everyone from the bottom of this sweet little 5 year old’s heart and mine as well.”—Ami Juel.
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