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Amanda Belzowski is a 13-year-old with a big assignment to finish. It’s not an English essay or science fair project. The Toronto teen is trying to spread the word about her 13^th annual lemonade stand fundraiser, which has raised over $150,000 for the Heart & Stroke Foundation since its launch in 1999 and is now raising money for Save A Child’s Heart and SickKids Hospital.

This year, the charity event will be held at 33 Post Road, on May 15 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. It used to be called Amanda’s Lemonade Stand, but she has now relinquished the title to her five-year-old brother, who ran Joshua’s Cookie Counter for two years alongside his sister’s stand. But, it is still up to Amanda to campaign, speak to the volunteers, make sure the 25 gallons of lemonade (and other snacks, amenities and auction prizes) are prepared and, of course, help her brother pour the lemonade.

Belzowski is a rare breed of kid: she is a passionate volunteer, philanthropist and inspirational speaker who sincerely believes in the “follow your dreams” sentiments that her peers might find corny. She is on a mission to give back and inspire other youths to do the same because that’s what she’s been accomplishing for nearly her entire young life.

My Planet is a new AIR MILES Reward Program initiative that encourages people to make green purchase decisions. Eighteen Canadian retailers and sponsors have come onboard, including grocery stores (Metro, Safeway); hardware/home centres (Rona, Tim-Br Mart), pharmacies (Jean Coutu, Lawton Drugs); government (Edmonton Transit); renewable energy provider (Bullfrog Power) and financial institutions (AMEX). When consumers choose their eco-friendly products and services, they will earn bonus reward miles.  In addition to earning bonus reward miles for choosing eco-friendly everyday products, AIR MILES Collectors can also find bonus reward miles on My Planet designated products at specialty stores including Global Pet Foods, Canadian Springs/Labrador Springs, Uniglass Plus Ziebart/Vitro Plus Ziebart, Goodyear Tires, and Co-op Country Stores, among others.  For more info, go to www.airmiles.ca/myplanet