South-end lemonade stand benefits kids with Down syndrome

Residents and passersby on Esther Drive in south-end Barrie were greeted by kids offering homemade lemonade on Sunday morning.

It was the annual lemonade stand raising money for Rockin’ It With Ruby, a fundraising foundation to help support kids with Down syndrome.

Ruby’s sister, Lola, runs the stand each summer with her brother, Jack, along with friends Madysen, Abby and Katelyn.

Barrie’s Ruby Cordua, who is a Canadian ambassador for Down syndrome, was on hand to help with the handing out of the tasty summer drinks.

The Barrie-based, non-profit foundation offers financial help to families in need. The annual lemonade stand usually raises approximately $1,000, according to Ruby’s mother, Ashley Cordua.

“We (provide) financial bursaries for families all across Ontario that have a child with Down syndrome," Ashley told BarrieToday, "mainly because the funding from the government is not substantial. We send money to families for whatever it is that they need."

Next up for Ruby and the foundation is the third annual Down Syndrome Walk that they host at Fort Willow Conservation Area in Springwater Township. That event takes place  on Oct. 23 this year.

To register for that event and for other information related to the foundation, visit the website by clicking here.