Calgary youth slings lemonade to raise money for Autism Asperger's Friendship Society
Inflation does not appear to exist at Dane's Lemonade Stand.
"No, it does not," Dane Benesh said.
Monday, in Copperfield, a tall glass of his lemonade cost the same $1 it did when he started in 2018.
He was eight years old then.
He's 13 now.
In that time, Benesh has raised $7,575.30 for the Autism Asperger's Friendship Society (AAFS) -- about $88 that first year, and just over $3,000 last year.
Originally, he'd intended to use the lemonade stand to buy his mom a house.
But, you know, inflation. Helping out AAFS is just a more attainable goal.
"He chose the Autism Asperger's Friendship Society here in Calgary," said mom Maria Petersen.
"The programming they do for our youth in the community with autism is amazing.
"What better way to give back than a place that we utilize? We love them."
Petersen noted AAFS's garage, earn-a-bike, LEGO, lacrosse and crafts programming as some that her son's been involved in and benefitted from.
"I have autism and ADHD, so I want to support them. ... I give them the money every year," Benesh said.
Despite cooler weather and rain on Monday, he was true to his word.
He always is.
He said it does not matter what the weather does, he will still be out there, slinging refreshments.
"Sometimes, we're in the cold. Sometimes, we're in the rain. Muddy. It doesn't matter for us -- we're always going to be out," he said.
It's enough to make a mother beam.
"I'm just a proud mom," Petersen said.
"He comes out and he gives it his all each time that we're at events."
Petersen noted the lemonade stand has also helped her son grow.
Through the endeavour, she said, Benesh has learned how to count, and now, how to budget, as well as social and organizational skills.
"This opportunity has given him priceless life skills that he was strongly struggling with," she said.
Benesh received the 2021 Youth Philanthropist Award in Calgary.
His goal is to run the lemonade stand until he's 16.
He also accepts e-transfer donations online, at daneslemonadestand@hotmail.com.
With files from Tyler Barrow
Calgary Top Stories
-
-
DEVELOPINGDEVELOPING Jasper wildfire burns buildings, while poor air quality forces some fire crews out
-
-
-
-
-
AS IT HAPPENEDAS IT HAPPENED Wildfire reaches Jasper Wednesday night, causes 'significant loss'
-
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Sick to my stomach': People grieve Jasper National Park by sharing favourite photos
As an out-of-control wildfire roared through Alberta’s famed Jasper National Park and its townsite late Wednesday, many are fearing the worst as officials warned of 'significant loss' within the area.
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Jasper wildfire burns buildings, while poor air quality forces some fire crews out
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on social media that Ottawa has approved Alberta's request for federal assistance after a fast-moving wildfire hit Jasper National Park and its townsite late Wednesday.
Canadian women's soccer team staffer given suspended prison sentence over drone incident, prosecutor says
A Canada women's soccer team staffer has been given an eight-month suspended prison sentence after flying a drone to film the closed-door training session of the New Zealand team on Monday, the prosecutor's office said in a statement.
Sale of envoy's NYC condo 'expected to exceed' $9M: government
The current official residence for Canada's representative in New York City is 'being readied for sale,' according to a spokesperson from Global Affairs Canada.
'I'm so broke': Two Toronto women speak out after losing $76,000 in romance scam
Two women from the Toronto area are speaking out after losing thousands of dollars to a romance scam, including a single mother who lost $62,000.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Loblaw, George Weston to settle class action over bread price-fixing for $500 million
Loblaw Cos. Ltd. and its parent company George Weston Ltd. say they have agreed to pay $500-million to settle a class-action lawsuit regarding their involvement in an alleged bread price-fixing scheme.
EXCLUSIVE
EXCLUSIVE One address, 76 foreign currency dealers: Inside Canada's money service business 'clusters'
An IJF and CTV News investigation has found dozens of cases across Canada where multiple money services businesses (MSBs) are incorporated at the same address, sometimes without the knowledge or consent of the location's actual occupant. One money laundering expert calls it an 'abuse of the system.'
An unwelcome attendee has joined the Paris Olympic Games: COVID-19
After a handful of Australian water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 this week, questions have emerged around how the spread of the disease will be mitigated at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Edmonton
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Jasper wildfire burns buildings, while poor air quality forces some fire crews out
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on social media that Ottawa has approved Alberta's request for federal assistance after a fast-moving wildfire hit Jasper National Park and its townsite late Wednesday.
-
Multiple structures ablaze as wildfire roars into Jasper townsite
One of two raging, wind-whipped fires menacing Jasper, Alta., roared into town Wednesday night and began burning buildings.
-
Jasper mayor says alert system to be reviewed after message 'glitch'
More than 25,000 people have been displaced from Jasper National Park since wildfires started to threaten the picturesque corner of Alberta Rockies on Monday, but the mayor of its namesake municipality says not everyone received an evacuation alert when it was sent out.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge businesses helping residents beat the heat
Lethbridge has been no stranger to extreme heat over the last couple weeks.
-
Southern Alberta adaptive water skiing clinic growing in popularity
To break down barriers, an adaptive water skiing clinic was held for those with mental and physical disabilities on Tuesday evening...
-
'A revolution': Crown says accused in Coutts murder-conspiracy trial prepared for war
In a heated courtroom exchange, a man accused of conspiring to murder police at the 2022 Coutts, Alta., blockade rejected accusations he and others brought weapons and body armour to the barricade to start a war.
Vancouver
-
'How can we be going backwards?' Vancouver city council votes to allow natural gas heat in new buildings
Vancouver city council has voted to allow natural gas for heating and hot water in new construction.
-
'We've pretty much lost our range': Ranch manager loses second range in 3 years to wildfires
T.J. Walkem, along with more than 80 of his cows, has spent the last few days desperately trying to evade the out-of-control Shetland Creek wildfire.
-
80,000 lightning flashes in B.C. in 3 days
Environment Canada has recorded a whopping 80,007 lightning flashes in British Columbia from Sunday through Tuesday, and the count continues on Wednesday for what could be a record-breaking stretch.
Vancouver Island
-
'No known connections' between recent sexual assaults on Vancouver Island, police say
Police on Vancouver Island are investigating three sexual assaults by strangers that were reported in the past week, though there is no indication the attacks are connected.
-
Vacations, meals, booze: Contractor used $100K of charity's money for personal expenses, B.C. court finds
A B.C. man who was hired to help a non-profit build a food hub but instead spent the money on personal expenses – including travel, restaurants, booze and cannabis – has been ordered to pay more than $120,000 in damages.
-
Vancouver Island wildfire grows overnight, remains out of control
A wildfire burning out of control on Vancouver Island continued to spread Wednesday as the provincial wildfire service assigned more resources to try to contain the blaze.
Saskatoon
-
'A bright light': Trevor LaPlante identified as Prince Albert homicide victim
Prince Albert is grieving the loss of one of its most beloved neighbours and community champions.
-
'It's a big deal': Harmful invasive species a growing concern in Saskatchewan lakes
As people get out and enjoy the many lakes in our province this summer, those who take care of the waterways are warning about dangerous invasive species that’s a growing threat in Saskatchewan.
-
Sask. WWII veteran, 103, receives France's highest national order
A Saskatchewan-born veteran of the Second World War was recently presented with France's highest national order.
Regina
-
Wolseley drive-in theatre to host storm chasers at Twisters showing
A showing of the disaster flick Twisters at Wolseley’s Twilite Drive-In Theatre will feature some special guests on Saturday.
-
Sask. WWII veteran, 103, receives France's highest national order
A Saskatchewan-born veteran of the Second World War was recently presented with France's highest national order.
-
Traffic restrictions in place after crash near Highway 1: Moose Jaw police
Drivers passing through Moose Jaw can expect some delays following a crash near Highway 1.
Toronto
-
'I'm so broke': Two Toronto women speak out after losing $76,000 in romance scam
Two women from the Toronto area are speaking out after losing thousands of dollars to a romance scam, including a single mother who lost $62,000.
-
Cyclist dead after being struck by dump truck in downtown Toronto: police
A cyclist is dead after being struck by a dump truck in downtown Toronto on Thursday morning, police say.
-
Loblaw, George Weston to settle class action over bread price-fixing for $500 million
Loblaw Cos. Ltd. and its parent company George Weston Ltd. say they have agreed to pay $500-million to settle a class-action lawsuit regarding their involvement in an alleged bread price-fixing scheme.
Montreal
-
Possible tornado topples truck, uproots trees south of Montreal
A possible tornado overturned a truck and uprooted several trees in Brossard on Montreal's South Shore.
-
Quebec athlete named one of Canada's 2024 Olympic flag bearers
Maude Charron will carry the Canadian flag during Friday's Olympic opening ceremony in Paris. The athlete from Rimouski will also be defending her Olympic gold medal in weightlifting.
-
Montreal electronic traffic signs hacked to display pro-Palestinian political slogans
Montreal police are investigating after electronic message boards at two road construction sites in Montreal displayed pro-Palestinian political slogans Wednesday morning instead of usual traffic alerts.
Atlantic
-
Risk and timing of thunderstorms in the Maritimes on Thursday
Showers along with a risk of thunderstorms will return to the Maritimes on Thursday as a cold front approaches from the west.
-
Biden explains why he ended re-election bid in Oval Office address
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
-
Unclaimed bodies are piling up in Newfoundland. A funeral director blames the government
A funeral director in St. John's says the bodies piling up in freezers at Newfoundland and Labrador's largest hospital likely belong to people whose loved ones couldn't get enough government help to pay for a funeral.
Winnipeg
-
Jets owner, The Brothers Landreth save dwindling Winnipeg church, give it added purpose
A saving grace for a dwindling Winnipeg church has come in the form of Winnipeg Jets owner Mark Chipman and Juno-award-winning folk duo The Brothers Landreth.
-
Search of North End property linked to 2021 missing person case
The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) is executing a search warrant at a North End property on Wednesday to look for evidence linked to a missing person case from 2021.
-
Elementary school in Thompson goes up in flames
An elementary school in Thompson, Man., has gone up in flames on Wednesday.
Ottawa
-
Tornado near Perth, Ont. during severe weather on Wednesday, Northern Tornadoes Project says
Western University's Northern Tornadoes Project says a tornado touched down near Perth, Ont. Wednesday night, as a series of severe storms moved across eastern Ontario.
-
These were the most commonly stolen vehicles in Ottawa in June
Ottawa police are noting a developing trend in the types of vehicles that are being targeted by thieves in the capital.
-
Two families displaced following fire at Orleans townhouses
The Ottawa Fire Service says it received multiple 9-1-1 calls at approximately 1:35 a.m. Thursday reporting a fire and the first floor of a townhome on fire in the 100 block of Parkrose Private.
Northern Ontario
-
North Bay OPP respond to ATV collision, lay impaired driving charges
A 48-year-old from a community near North Bay has been charged following a collision involving an ATV towing a boat.
-
Family dispute leads to damaged vehicle, threats in Elliot Lake
A family dispute erupted in Elliot Lake on Tuesday afternoon, ending with a damaged vehicle in a driveway and impaired driving charges.
-
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Barrie
-
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
-
New police vehicle turns heads along Barrie's waterfront
Barrie police are using a utility vehicle along the city's waterfront this summer to help officers get to challenging locations and increase their presence throughout the busy area.
-
What does Bank of Canada's interest rate cut mean for homeowners?
The Bank of Canada lowered its key interest rate to 4.5 per cent, as those looking to renew or buy a mortgage watched closely.
Kitchener
-
Guelph, Ont. police constable continues to fight for his job
A police constable in Guelph, Ont. pleaded guilty Wednesday to discreditable conduct – for a second time.
-
Cambridge mother blames GRCA for flood that destroyed her belongings
A Cambridge woman explains why she blames the GRCA for a flood that damaged her home and forced her family to flee in a canoe.
-
Wanted teen considered dangerous after escaping secure custody facility: WRPS
The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) is searching for a 16-year-old they say escaped a security custody facility in Wilmot Township.
London
-
Touching vigil for teen lost to intimate partner violence
Hundreds gathered Wednesday evening to pay tribute to a young life cut short. Breanna Broadfoot was remembered in a touching candle-light vigil.
-
Over 3,000 rounds of ammunition, 10 shotguns and more seized in search warrant
London police have seized multiple firearms, and ammunition following the arrest of a wanted man in the east end of the city in early July.
-
Driver walks home after police tow vehicle that revved at Mitchell stop light
Nobody likes a loud and aggressive driver – but one such driver caught the attention of the wrong police officer when they revved their engine at a red light in Mitchell in early July.
Windsor
-
Amnerstburg residents' Potassium Iodide pills need updating
If you live in Amherstburg, it's time to start thinking about updating your Potassium Iodide (KI) pills. A notice from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit said if you've previously obtained the pills, they are nearing expiration.
-
Carmaker Stellantis pledges to tackle problems in North America as profits plunge
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares pledged action to tackle problems in North America and elsewhere Thursday after reporting a plunge in first-half earnings.
-
'We want what's best for the neighbourhood': Residents given more time to lobby for change
The residents of Spago Crescent in South Windsor are open to change.
