This summer, two remarkable young animal lovers, Matilda and Leila McGovern, set up shop on their quiet Toronto street with one simple idea: sell lemonade to help animals in need. 

With handmade signs, carefully decorated posters, and plenty of enthusiasm, the sisters poured glass after glass for neighbors, friends, and passersby. By the end of the day, their stand had raised more than $300 in support of Toronto Humane Society! 

But for Matilda and Leila, this wasn’t just about lemonade—it was about making a difference. They beamed with pride as they counted the coins, knowing each dollar would go toward food, medical treatment, and shelter for animals who need it most. 

The sisters even visited our shelter to personally hand-deliver their donation. There, they got a behind-the-scenes look at how their hard work will directly help animals in our care. It was a special moment that showed just how powerful compassion and community can be. 

Their mom, Elisa, shared how meaningful the project has been for her daughters: 

“They take a lot of pride in making their sign and putting up posters, and then counting the coins—it’s a whole thing. This was a summer highlight for them, and they’ve been excited to share it with their classmates.”

Stories like Matilda and Leila’s remind us that no act of kindness is too small. Whether it’s a child’s lemonade stand, a birthday fundraiser, or a workplace challenge, these efforts add up to create real impact for animals. 

We are so grateful to Matilda and Leila for their creativity, generosity, and big hearts. They’ve inspired us—and hopefully will inspire more young people to dream up their own fun ways to give back. 

Thinking of starting your own fundraiser? Whether you’re young or young at heart, we’d love to help you turn your idea into support for animals. Click here to start your own fundraising page today!