ESTEVAN - It started last year as a way for Bentley Wilson to raise funds for the Estevan Humane Society.
But it's grown into a means for the enterprising Estevan youth to pay for his minor hockey registration each year.
This is the second year Bentley, aged 12, has had the Bentley's Iced Tea stand near Westview School. He has also appeared at the Estevan Farmers' Market sales.
Bentley said he came up with the idea when he heard of a fundraiser for the humane society. He started with a small table and it grew.
Then he raised money for Riley Raynard, who is Bentley's favourite race car driver at the Estevan Motor Speedway. Raynard raced for a decade at the track despite having Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Bentley has helped other causes as well.
He has also used the sales to pay for his minor hockey and lacrosse registration and equipment. He did so well last year that the iced tea paid for his minor hockey fees in 2023-24, and it's going to do so again this year.
Bentley has also sold chips, candies and even bracelets that were made by local children for him.
He can be found selling iced tea and other items each day at around 10 or 11 a.m. and he'll remain out there until 6 p.m. People can also support the lemonade stand during the warmer months of the school year on weekends, holidays and during scheduled days off school.
People have been really supportive of his efforts.
"They really like what I'm doing, and I'm helping them out by giving them some snacks and drinks while they're out here supporting me," said Bentley.
An ambitious young man, he hopes to one day have his own food truck.
When asked if he plans on continuing this in the future, he responded with an emphatic "Heck yeah".
