Quenching thirsts and raising funds: Izzy’s stall makes genuine impact

EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Torquay Coast Primary School student Izabell Wilson has shown just how committed she is to improving the lives of Geelong’s rescued animals after a more than successful start to her fundraising initiative.

“Izzy”, on her first day of fundraising from her drinks stall, raised $176 and sold out of refreshments, with all funds raised to be donated to Geelong Animal Rescue (GAR).

The stall, located out the front of Izzy’s house, offers residents and visitors who pass it by the option of either lemonade or cordial, a necessary consumable during the Surf Coast’s warmer months.

“I thought it would be fun to do it and to raise money for charity,” Izzy said.

“I wanted to be kind and help animals.

“The best part was meeting lots of people who liked my lemonade. There were lots of customers. I made so much money to donate.”

Izabell decided to raise funds for the GAR because of the business’ efforts in rescuing animals whether they are hurt or lost and needing to recover from injuries.

According to Izabell’s grandmother, Tracey Oliver, the idea was entirely the primary schooler’s and has been in the works for quite
a while.

“We are all very proud of Izzy. The lemonade stand was her idea after picking lemons at my place and making us lemonade and lemon tea,” Ms Oliver said.

“The whole family is constantly amazed at how creative Izzy is and how she can turn an idea into a reality.

“She is very determined and really good at asking for ideas or help if she is unsure.”

The entire family including Izabell’s mother, Kate Earnshaw, were completely taken aback by the community’s response to the stall.
“We were amazed at the response!” Ms Earnshaw said.

“Izzy was waving at the passing cars and greeting the customers, serving them, and having a chat. She really is a wonderful people’s person and was really in her element.

“It was quite emotional at times seeing her having such a positive impact on people. I think a lemonade stand is a lovely hark back to simpler times with a huge community element, so it was the perfect vehicle for Izzy.”

Ms Oliver, Ms Earnhart and Izzy’s stepdad Robby all helped out with the shopping, building the stand and social media posts, but everything else was done by the third grader, including making sure she had all the PPE and sanitiser for the stand on hand.

Izzy is excited to hit the stall again, as making more and more people happy being a primary motivator.

“I want to do one of these stalls once a month and add some new things like homemade lemon cleaning spray,”
Izzy added.

“We will use all the leftover lemons to make the spray. I might donate to a different cause every month but I’m not sure what they are yet.”

The lemons themselves are credited to Izzy’s grandmother, given they originated from her backyard.

If you would also like to help the Geelong Animal Rescue out financially, donations can be made at geelonganimalrescue.org.au/donate-to-gar/donate-funds/.