Lemonade stand pours cash into Down syndrome fundraiser

A summer-like Saturday was just what was needed for Rockin’ It With Ruby’s fifth annual fundraising lemonade stand in Barrie for Down syndrome.

Rockin' It With Ruby is a local non-profit organization benefiting the Down syndrome community across Ontario and this weekend's event raised 2,560.75. Ten pitchers of lemonade were prepared for the event.

Ashley Cordua, whose five-year-old daughter, Ruby, was diagnosed with Down syndrome shortly after birth, was overseeing the operation held just outside the Zehrs grocery store on Bayfield Street across from the Georgian Mall. The family partners with Zehrs every summer.

“We provide financial bursaries to families in need all across the province to ensure that every child is afforded the opportunity to succeed,” Cordua said as cups of lemonade were served by Ruby's family and young friends.

Last year, the lemonade stand raised $1,500.

It all started on their driveway five years ago by Cordua’s children when Ruby was just born.

“They look forward to this every year,” she said.

The fun doesn’t stop when the lemonade taps run dry, as the next fundraising event they are hosting is their fifth annual Rockin’ It With Ruby’s Down Syndrome Walk on Sunday Oct. 20 at the Fort Willow Conservation Area in Springwater Township.

For more information on the walk, click here.