For the third year in a row, Anders Yee has turned lemons into support for Victoria hospitals.
On Monday, Aug. 11, the 10-year-old boy stood confidently outside his Saanich home, alongside his buddy Sully Jackman, selling regular and pink lemonade to those bold enough to brave the 29 C heat.
While most kids would spend their earnings on Pokemon cards or new video games, Anders is going to hand over every dollar he rakes in to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation (VHF) – a non-profit that works with Island Health to enable donations to Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals.
“It’s just good to make a difference in the community, and I think this money will go to a very good cause,” he said.
This is the third time Anders has hosted a lemonade stand to raise money for the VHF – a philanthropic journey that began three years ago to support institutions like the one that helped his dad Kevin Yee, who died on life support at Royal Jubilee following a brain aneurysm in 2022.
At his first stand, the young salesman raked in a whopping $1,000, which inspired $2,000 more in donations directly to the VHF. Another $782 went to the non-profit thanks to the boy’s efforts last summer. And this year, Anders hopes to earn another $1,000.
VHF media spokesperson Jennifer Ivanov explained that the money the philanthropist raises will go towards “really important” surgical equipment at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General.
“We just love when the community comes out to support our hospitals,” she said, adding that 40 per cent of the equipment at these hospitals was purchased with VHF donations. “We really wouldn’t be able to do anything without community support.”
Anders’ mom Susanna Yee, who helped set up this year's stand, couldn’t be more proud of the positive impact her son is having.
“His dad was very giving, where if a friend needed help, he would drop everything and … so it comes naturally to Anders,” she said. “I see so much of his father in him every day.”
Susanna added Anders’ efforts haven’t just helped others – they’ve made a tough situation for her family easier to manage.
“This is a way of turning a bad situation into something … positive,” she said.
In 2024, Anders, who’s had Sully's help at his past three stands, offered two types of lemonade, vanilla bean and strawberry ice cream, freezies in every colour imaginable and fresh figs. He also sold ice cubes made out of lemonade to ensure customers' drinks didn't get watery.
This year, Anders took things one step further, selling chocolate ice cream on top of vanilla and strawberry options, and even small toys that he had 3D-printed himself – all in the name of helping others.
“I think what Anders is doing is a great thing,” said Sully. “He’s a cool, nice guy.”
To support the VHF, visit: victoriahf.ca/donatenow.
