Thanks for joining us and being part of Nelson Mandela Children's Fund Canada's new "Chill Out for Charity" campaign. The funds raised by selling virtual or real lemonade will provide support and critical services to South African children and youth who are homeless, managing disabilities or other health issues or have basic needs for food and clothing. Over 1.4 million children in South Africa are afflicted with HIV/AIDS and 49% are orphaned without parents, or families to care and nurture them. Together we hope to increase their opportunities for stable, joyful and successful lives.

Since we began in 1998, children and youth across Canada have been involved with us by learning about the principles and life work of Nelson Mandela, about South Africa and the current challenges of vulnerable children growing up there. (Click here to watch the video of over 40,000 Canadian youth meeting with Nelson Mandela in the Rogers Center).

This year, with the permission and support of families and caring adults, we hope to continue growing the number of Canadian children and youth who want to get involved with us. We know that young people are just as concerned as adults about improving the lives of vulnerable children and that they also want to take action of their own to make a difference. Two young sisters designed a "Chill Out for Charity" lemonade stand of their own to raise funds for NMCF Canada and they convinced us that kids across Canada would want to have fun and make a difference too!

We hope the results of your "Chill Out for Charity" efforts will benefit you and the children of South Africa. The experience you gain from growing your own skills in caring for the world around you is priceless. Nelson Mandela himself has reminded us - "we must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right."

Once again, thank you for committing your time and hard work, and have fun! Click here to learn more about the life of Nelson Mandela and Nelson Mandela Children's Fund Canada.