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Now entering its 10th year, the Cohen-Stuckey family’s lemonade stand, the site of an annual event now known as Lyrics and Lemonade, has been pulling triple duty, quenching the thirst of Pointe-Claire residents and entertaining them, all while raising funds to benefit others.

Opening her first lemonade stand in 2016 when she was only six years old, Lianne Cohen originally collected $30. It was after a discussion about how some children — including some dear family friends — couldn't enjoy summers because of their medical treatments that the whole family, including Stephen, a physics professor at Vanier College; his wife, Valerie Stuckey, a family doctor; and their then three-year-old daughter, Meghan, decided to put the funds from their lemonade stand to a worthy cause, the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation.

As the number of customers grew, doubling over the first few years, Cohen decided to incorporate music into the event. A guitarist and drummer in his own right, he started by getting his family involved in the performances, adding more musical acts as the years progressed. Lyrics and Lemonade grew in scope, eventually becoming a full-blown afternoon concert, including talented local musicians, many of whom are children and teens.

In 2023, over $2000 was raised in the driveway of the Cohen-Stuckey home, with friends and neighbours covering nearly every square inch of space. A huge fan of the event, Councillor Eric Stork, helped the family bring their event to Northview Park in 2024. With the expansion of the event, more than $6800 was raised for the hospital, more than tripling the prior year's collection.

"I think every parent in the Montreal area is happy to know that the Children's Hospital is there for them and their kids, and we are so happy to fundraise on their behalf,” said Cohen. "The Pointe-Claire community has been encouraging us year after year, from our neighbours to our city representatives."

In 2024, a generous individual drove a wheeled stage over to the park; this year, the City of Pointe-Claire will provide the stage and equipment for Lyrics and Lemonade. Cohen expressed his enthusiasm for the young musicians, saying, "Many of the young performers have returned over the years, and we get to see how they have honed their talents."

While Valerie serves as lemonade mixologist, this year's musical performances will be headlined by Cocoachella, a band made up of Stephen (guitar), Lianne (vocals), Meghan (vocals), Stephen’s father, Randy (drums), and Stephen’s uncle, Alan, a professional keyboard player based out of Toronto.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event will go to the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, thanks to the dozens of volunteers who donate their time and energy to setting up in order to make it a huge success and businesses such as Moushi Poké, who support them with meals during the day.

Taking place again at its new home in Northview Park on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (rain day on Sunday, September 14), families are invited to bring lawn chairs, enjoy some lemonade, homemade baked goods, and live music, all while donating to a great cause.

Anyone interested in performing should visit the Lyrics and Lemonade Facebook page. For more information about the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation or to donate directly to the cause, please visit their donation website.