Amid the chaos and destruction caused by the Maui wildfires, one boy is doing what he can to help. Julian Lin, 8, may be miles away from the devastation, but he’s still raising money for those affected. Profits from his lemonade stand in Central Park are going to two charitable organizations: Maui United Way and the Maui Humane Society. The young man is also fundraising on behalf of his friend, Ryan, who lost his home.
Julian and his mom, Julie Meerschwan, met Ryan during a trip to Hawaii earlier this year. He was their boat guide. When the mother and son heard what was happening in Maui, they knew they needed to do something.
“Generosity to me is like breathing. If you make me not be generous, then I’ll die,” Julian said, according to WABC.
Julie added, “It’s shocking and it’s devastating, and I am bleeding for the people there and we want to make any small contribution that we can.”
Apart from selling lemonade and other goodies, Julian has set up a GoFundMe campaign. His website, Julian Business Man, includes a link to the fundraiser as well as information about the young man’s various business ventures. According to People, the boy and his mom have already been able to donate over $2,000 to Maui victims and charities, including Ryan.
“I am raising money for my friend Ryan, who lost his home on Maui in the wildfires. Ryan’s uncle is missing after he went back to his house and tried to save it,” reads Julian’s GoFundMe. “I met Ryan on vacation in February and we became friends. He let me help him light the torches at our hotel.”
The description continues, “Ryan taught me how to say ‘Aloha’ with passion. Aloha means hello in Hawaiian, but it also means Love. He said it’s the most important word in the Hawaiian language.”
WABC reports that, at one point, someone stole the money from Julian’s lemonade stand. Thankfully, the NYPD stepped in to replace it with their own contribution.
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.