Armed with only $50 in seed money, a self-made cardboard lemonade stand, a pitcher and a set of markers, more than 600 HBA1 undergraduate students split into 80 teams and fanned out across London to sell as much lemonade as possible for charity in just under 48 hours. The year-end event called Hunter Straker and Ivey Give LemonAid raised $69,000 for United Way, putting its five-year total at $330,000.
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Each group was given a “twist” that included anything from singing karaoke, to only selling at night, to strictly selling and collecting proceeds online.
The funds raised go specifically to United Way’s Matched Education Savings Fund, which helps to create job opportunities and provide the option of post-secondary education for youth in London and Middlesex.
United Way London and Middlesex CEO Andrew Lockie, EMBA ’05, spoke to students on the impact their efforts have on today’s youth through United Way’s Matched Education Savings Fund.
“Education is the most powerful way to emerge from poverty,” said Lockie. “And your generosity leverages well beyond the money raised.”
The fundraiser is the final Learning Through Action event of the year and has become a hallmark occasion for the School.
“Ivey’s mission statement is to develop business leaders who think globally, act strategically and contribute to the societies within which they operate,” said Mary Gillett, HBA Faculty Director. “The LemonAid event brings together many of the principles and leadership values that prepare our students to make a difference in their community after they graduate.”
LemonAid signals the end of the school year for the HBA1 students and stands out as a creative and fun way to wrap up a very intensive program before returning in September.
Matthew Diamond, HBA ’96, Senior Vice President at Hunter Straker Canada, launched the event on Wednesday by providing the class with marketing tips and techniques.
“This event is special because it makes you think about the fundamentals of running a successful operation and forces groups to overcome challenges as a cohesive team,” said Diamond. “But this event goes beyond business; it’s an opportunity for students to give back to the local community in a meaningful way.”
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