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Niagara Falls
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Sip by sip: Lemonade stand sweetens the pot for a cause close to home
Ishani Ayona Pal and her dog Spot, full name Spoticus, at her lemonade stand on Saturday, Aug. 31. PAIGE SEBURN
From left: neighbours Brent and Joseph Longmoore at the lemonade stand to support the dog rescue fundraiser — and enjoy a cool, refreshing drink at the end of summer. PAIGE SEBURN

Paige Seburn
The Lake Report/Niagara Now

When Spot, the friendly dog, eagerly greeted guests at Ishani’s lemonade stand, it was a perfect reminder of why Ishani Ayona Pal’s family hosts the stand every year. 

Spot, who was rescued from the Niagara Dog Rescue Centre, inspired eight-year-old Ishani to give back to the place that gave him a second chance.

“I do it for Spot,” said Ishani, who just had her third-annual lemonade stand for the centre on Saturday, Aug. 31.

Held out front of Ishani’s home from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., this intimate, invite-only fundraiser has become a neighbourhood tradition, with bright decorations and two refreshing flavours adding to the festive atmosphere this year. 

The lemonade stand has seen impressive growth since its first year, with donations increasing from $900 in 2022 to double that last year. 

Ishani’s mother, Urbee Shome, said the lemonade sale not only supports the dog rescue centre but also has a profound impact on Ishani. 

She is so proud of her eagerness to support the rescue centre, she said, as it allows Ishani to channel her passion for helping others into something meaningful.

“It’s our way of contributing,” said Shome.

Neighbours Brent and Joseph Longmoore, who have attended every year, said they appreciate the community feel of the lemonade stand. 

“It’s a good chance to get together with your neighbours in the neighbourhood,” Brent Longmoore said. 

It’s more than just a summer treat, he said — it’s a heartfelt gesture that highlights the impact of community support. 

Joseph Longmoore said the stand has also grown with more decorations and flavours each year, making it even more enjoyable.

With more than $2,000 raised by Ishani to support the Niagara Dog Rescue Centre this year, the lemonade stand continues to show the power of local initiatives and the difference they can make for animals in need.

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