Turning lemonade into love for sick kids

Six-year-old Griffin Graham has a big heart. Three years ago – when he was just four – he decided he wanted to help raise money for SickKids.

His parents, Christine Barkey and Mike Graham, own Huntsville Home Hardware and the company is an avid supporter of the hospital. Griffin wanted to help, too.

(From left) Neveah Green, Sofia Graham and Griffin Graham sell lemonade and cookies to passersby. (Photo: Christine Barkey)

So he did what many young children do: he put up a lemonade stand. It was wildly successful, to the tune of $1500. His mom says that after the first fundraiser, when he was asked why he wanted to help, he said simply, ‘I just want to help the kids.’

“It’s pretty cute,” says Christine. “We are super proud of him wanting to do this each year. He gets so excited and he wants to continue.”

The fundraiser happens on the day before Father’s Day – this year on June 18 – and Griffin, aided by his sister Sofia and good friend Neveah Green, sold lemonade and cookies in front of the Home Hardware while a charity barbecue went on behind the store.

“People are so generous,” says Christine. “Some just came and made donations without wanting anything.” Others made donations ahead of time knowing they wouldn’t be in town that day.

“(The hospital) has touched everyone in some way. We all know kids who’ve had to go there.”

This year, Griffin raised $1,328 and has raised a combined total of $3,828 over three years.

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