‘Restored our faith in humanity': Community rallies around 7-year-old Sask. girl after lemonade stand robbery
A seven-year-old Saskatoon girl is dealing with the aftermath from her lemonade stand being robbed by two teenage boys on Monday.
“I thought that they weren't very good, and I should just stay calm,” the lemonade stand owner, Maddy said, describing the incident.
Maddy has been selling lemonade in the community for weeks, and recently saved up enough money to buy her own lemonade stand.
“She's always out here selling lemonade, any chance I let her, she loves people, she loves the interaction, she likes to make her own money,” Maddy’s mother, Jade Floata, said.
Floata said Maddy has a rare medical condition called the VACTERL association and has gone through many medical procedures in her short lifetime. The mother-daughter duo wrote a book to help children prepping for surgery, which Maddy also sells at her stand.
Floata said being a “business woman” is Maddy’s passion, but she’s not allowed to sell lemonade in their yard anymore, because two boys put her safety at risk.
She said she noticed the boys from her living room window.
“I had noticed that there was somebody that I didn't recognize, and I knew something wasn't quite right because he was helping himself to the lemonade,” Floata said.
She said they stole Maddy’s lemonade, money and candy.
“The part that shocked me was that they didn't care that I was there and shooing them away, “she said.
“I didn't know what they were going to do, and then later to find out that they were armed with a knife. I'm just sick to my stomach.”
Two boys, aged 14 and 16, were arrested shortly after fleeing the scene. The 14-year-old was in possession of a knife and was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and breaching a court order. The 16-year-old was arrested on outstanding warrants.
The Saskatoon Police Service took to Facebook on Tuesday, commending Floata for quickly reporting the incident.
“Thanks to their swift actions, the suspects were caught and were no longer able to make anyone else's day into lemons," the post said.
Maddy has garnered significant community support, with her GoFundMe page raising more than $2,000.
“When I heard this happened, I wanted to help the family, and I really wanted to show Maddy that there are still kind, generous people in this world,” said Melanie Tucker, who created the fundraising page.
Floata said she’s thankful for the donations, and grateful Glass Masters and the Saskatoon Berries have reached out and offered a safe place for Maddy to sell Lemonade.
“I am very thankful for the community to get together and support her in the way they do,” Floata said.
“It's definitely restored our faith in humanity again.”
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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
U.S. President Biden says 'the world is better off' because of Trudeau
U.S. President Joe Biden thanked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday, calling him a 'friend,' and adding 'the world is better off because of him.'
Justin Trudeau's set to go after the Liberals pick his replacement, what now?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, announcing Monday that he intends to resign as Liberal leader and prime minister as soon as his party names his replacement, has set a series of political machinations in motion.
CRA to continue with capital tax changes despite prorogation: finance department
The federal government says the Canada Revenue Agency will continue to administer the capital gains tax, even though it hasn't passed in Parliament, which is prorogued until March 24.
Canada Post says most operations are back to normal, but some mail continues to be delayed
Canadians can expect full service for domestic parcels and on-time service guarantees, though Canada Post said some mail will continue to be delayed as it deals with a large amount of items.
Justin Trudeau steps down as Liberal leader. Who are the top contenders to replace him?
With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation as Liberal party leader, several well-known political faces may be waiting in the wings for their opportunity to take his place.
Canada could see a wave of mortgage renewals in 2025. Here is how some homeowners plan to navigate the payment shock.
At least 1.2 million Canadians are facing a mortgage renewal in 2025, and 85 per cent of those existing home loans were contracted when the Bank of Canada’s interest rate was at or below one per cent. Here's how some homeowners are planning to navigate the increased payments.
2 bodies are found in the landing gear of JetBlue plane at Florida airport
Two bodies were found in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue aircraft at a South Florida airport, authorities said.
Trump's inauguration coincides with an unprecedented string of high-stakes security events in D.C.
The last time a president was inaugurated, there was a global pandemic and a violent siege at the very spot at the U.S. Capitol where the ceremony takes place. This time, the event is happening as part of an unprecedented string of high-stakes security events in the nation's capital.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck seek judge's approval of divorce settlement
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have settled their divorce and are asking a judge to finalize their breakup.
Regina
-
Regina police lay murder charge in connection with December homicide
Regina police say a 21-year-old man has been charged with second degree murder in connection to a homicide that took place on Dec.3.
-
'We welcome you': Regina's Carmichael Outreach hoping to help neighbouring homeless encampment
Carmichael Outreach has seen a busy start to the new year due to cold weather hitting Regina. On a regular day, the charity organization sees around 50 people come through their doors.
-
These 90-year-old identical twins were born on a Saskatchewan farm, but grew to love the city
Rose Worona and Anne Skwarchuk were born in 1935 on a farm near Hafford. Now, they’re celebrating their 90th birthday together.
Winnipeg
-
Vacant Winnipeg church goes up in flames
Freezing temperatures created challenging conditions as crews battled a blaze at a vacant church on Monday.
-
Man charged with voyeurism at Winnipeg fitness facility
A 26-year-old man has been charged with voyeurism after he allegedly snapped photos of a child undressing in a change room at a Winnipeg fitness facility.
-
Winnipeggers urged to be cautious after block heaters potentially cause 3 fires
Block heaters are a near non-negotiable in the dead of winter as plugging in your car can be the difference between hitting the road or being left out in the cold; however, improper use can spark even bigger problems.
Edmonton
-
Justin Trudeau steps down as Liberal leader. Who are the top contenders to replace him?
With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation as Liberal party leader, several well-known political faces may be waiting in the wings for their opportunity to take his place.
-
Oilers on torrid pace as Bruins search for winning edge
Edmonton makes the cross-country trek to continue a four-game road trip following a 4-2 win Sunday at the Seattle Kraken, its third straight victory and 14th in the last 18 games (14-3-1).
-
'We're in an epidemic': Deaths of two women in alleged domestic abuse cases raising red flags
Advocates for domestic abuse survivors say the deaths of an Edmonton woman and a Calgary mother and her father over the holidays shows domestic abuse is an “epidemic.”
Calgary
-
Calgary's lone Liberal MP thanks Trudeau, but says it was time for him to go
Justin Trudeau's announcement on Monday that he intends to resign as prime minister and Liberal leader was needed 'to move our country forward,' says Calgary's only Liberal MP.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER Daytime highs hover around 5 C under chinook conditions this week
Westerly winds will continue to flow across the southern Rockies elevating temperatures east of the range.
-
Trio of Calgary artists paint a picture of evolving landscape in Canadian Rockies
Three Calgary artists are drawing inspiration from a week-long residency in the heart of Rogers Pass, aimed at connecting Canadians with the natural wonders and history of Glacier National Park.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge leaders, political experts react to Trudeau resignation
Following Monday's announcement that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is stepping down as Liberal leader, political experts in Lethbridge say it was a matter of time before he'd resign.
-
City of Lethbridge seeks public input into River Valley heritage sites
The City of Lethbridge is seeking public input for its River Valley heritage sites.
-
Oil Kings jump out to quick start as they beat Hurricanes 5-2 in Edmonton
The Edmonton Oil Kings came roaring out of the gate Saturday night against the Lethbridge Hurricanes, building a 2-0 first-period lead en route to a 5-2 win.
Toronto
-
Ontario launches border-strengthening operation as Trump tariff threat looms
The Ontario government says it has launched an operation intended to beef up security along the border with the United States.
-
Canada could see a wave of mortgage renewals in 2025. Here is how some homeowners plan to navigate the payment shock.
At least 1.2 million Canadians are facing a mortgage renewal in 2025, and 85 per cent of those existing home loans were contracted when the Bank of Canada’s interest rate was at or below one per cent. Here's how some homeowners are planning to navigate the increased payments.
-
Chow says TTC freezing fares, improving service as part of latest budget
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says the TTC is planning on freezing fares for 2025 in its latest budget.
Ottawa
-
Ford not focused on Ontario snap election amid U.S. tariff threat, federal turmoil
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he's focused on fighting a proposed tariff threat from incoming U.S. president Donald Trump, not an early snap election, amid ongoing turmoil political on Parliament Hill.
-
Ottawa mayor says prorogation of parliament gives city time to work with MPs on transit funding request
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe says he remains optimistic that the City of Ottawa will eventually get the transit funding it has requested from the federal government, despite Monday's announcement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Parliament has been prorogued and that he intends to step aside as Liberal leader and prime minister.
-
Two taken to hospital in early morning South Keys fire
Two people were taken to hospital after an early morning house fire in Ottawa's South Keys neighbourhood on Tuesday.
Montreal
-
Health authorities advise caution as flu season intensifies
Quebec's Health and Social Service Ministry says the influenza season is intensifying while cases of the common cold are stabilizing. However, the situation could change rapidly as students gradually return to school this week.
-
'It was the right decision': Quebec politicians, residents react to Trudeau resignation
Elected officials in Quebec were quick to react to the major announcement in Ottawa Monday about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the path forward for the federal Liberal Party.
-
After watching brother Cole win gold, Lane Hutson puts on show for Canadiens
Lane Hutson landed in Montreal after a long Canadiens road trip Sunday afternoon and jumped in a car to Ottawa, hoping to watch his younger brother, Cole, win world junior gold.
Vancouver
-
Support for federal Conservatives on the rise in B.C.: new poll
We’re learning more about how British Columbians plan to vote in the next federal election following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s bombshell resignation.
-
Nanaimo, B.C., hiking trail closed due to 'aggressive cougar'
Authorities have ordered the closure of a popular hiking trail on Vancouver Island due to the presence of an 'aggressive cougar.'
-
Study reveals annual activity of sneezing sea sponge off B.C. coast
A study into the behaviour of a sea sponge off the coast of British Columbia has revealed the animals have the humanlike ability to sneeze.
Kelowna
-
1 hospitalized, residents displaced after Kelowna apartment fire
Firefighters knocked down a blaze on the third floor of a low-rise apartment building near downtown Kelowna Monday afternoon.
-
Lost skiers rescued off B.C. mountain
Search and rescue volunteers in B.C.’s Okanagan successfully reunited two skiers with their family Friday evening.
-
Charges laid after child porn investigation that 'spanned several different countries,' Kelowna RCMP say
Police in Kelowna say an international investigation has led to child pornography charges against a 46-year-old man.
Vancouver Island
-
Nanaimo, B.C., hiking trail closed due to 'aggressive cougar'
Authorities have ordered the closure of a popular hiking trail on Vancouver Island due to the presence of an 'aggressive cougar.'
-
Support for federal Conservatives on the rise in B.C.: new poll
We’re learning more about how British Columbians plan to vote in the next federal election following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s bombshell resignation.
-
Study reveals annual activity of sneezing sea sponge off B.C. coast
A study into the behaviour of a sea sponge off the coast of British Columbia has revealed the animals have the humanlike ability to sneeze.
London
-
Snow squall watch in effect for London area
We’re in for a brisk start to the week, set to continue for the foreseeable future.
-
One person arrested in connection to suspicious death in north London
Police have arrested a man in connection to a suspicious death investigation that took place in the north end of the city.
-
London fire training at Fanshawe Lake
The London Fire Department has put out a post on social media, alerting the public of training taking place at Fanshawe Lake.
Kitchener
-
Uncertainty surrounds college semester in Ontario as strike deadline looms
Students at Ontario’s 24 public colleges are beginning their winter semester under the cloud of a potential strike.
-
Brantford General Hospital experiencing 'significantly higher patient volumes'
Anyone headed to the Brantford General Hospital emergency department may have a long wait ahead of them.
-
Tenants group demands action as high rents persist despite rising vacancies
According to the Fall 2024 Rental Market Report from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC,) the vacancy rate in Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo has reached its highest level since 1993.
Northern Ontario
-
Snowmobile driver suffers life-altering injuries in New Year's Eve crash
Ontario Provincial Police are investigating a northern snowmobile crash that sent a man to hospital with life-altering injuries on New Year's Eve.
-
Northeastern Ont. police lay 139 impaired driving charges in six weeks
Efforts to reduce impaired driving in northeastern Ontario appear to be working in some communities, but are still high as provincial police release results of their Holiday season sobriety checks.
-
New threshold for reporting collisions in Ontario
Ontario has increased the threshold dictating when drivers are required to report a collision to police.
Atlantic
-
Six Maritimers killed by domestic violence in three months, raising urgent calls for action
Six lives have been lost to domestic violence across the Maritimes in the past three months, sparking renewed calls for intervention and preventive measures.
-
Another round of snow on the way for western Cape Breton
Another round of snow is in store for western Cape Breton.
-
Names of double homicide victims in Chipman, N.B., released by police
Police in New Brunswick have released the names of two people who were killed in Chipman, N.B., late last year.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador energy deal with Quebec under scrutiny as debate opens
Newfoundland and Labrador politicians are digging into the details of the province's draft energy deal with Quebec as four days of debate begin today in St. John's, N.L.
-
Part of street washed away and state of emergency declared in N.L. town after storm
Damaging winds and pounding surf that washed away part of a street in a small northeastern town in Newfoundland on Sunday triggered a state of emergency in the coastal community.
-
Newfoundland residents seek answers, assurance as Quebec energy deal heads for debate
About 50 people gathered in a St. John's, N.L., gymnasium on a recent rainy night to seek answers about a massive energy deal with Hydro-Quebec trumpeted by the Newfoundland and Labrador government as a new chapter in the province's history.
