The Humane Society of Louisiana is urging young people throughout the state to follow the lead of 7-year-old Jence Simms, of Madisonville, who set up a lemonade stand outside her home so she could raise money to help abused, neglected and homeless animals.

With Simms as its model, the HSL has designated Saturday, Aug. 18 as the first statewide Lemon-Aid Day for Animals, and young entrepreneurs and adults are encouraged to take part.

Last year, the soon-to-be second grader wanted to make a difference in her community, so she set up a neighborhood lemonade stand and sold $20 worth of lemonade. The proceeds were donated to the Humane Society of St. Tammany. This year, she wanted her efforts to benefit neglected horses, so she contacted the Humane Society of Louisiana, which currently cares for 10 rescued horses and responds to scores of complaints involving hundreds of horses each year. 

Last Saturday, Sims raised $130 for the horses and passed out humane educational literature to each customer, informing them that the funds would be used to help equines in need.  

“We were so inspired by Jence’s dedication that we decided to create a statewide program based on her initiative,” said Jeff Dorson, HSL executive director. “We’re asking other kids (and grown-ups) to show they care about animals like Jence does. Running a lemonade stand to raise funds for animals in need is a perfect way to help this summer.”

To honor Simms’ efforts, the Humane Society will bestow upon her the title of “Lemon-Aid Ambassador for Animals 2012,” he said.  New ambassadors will be named every year.  

The Humane Society believes a society that domesticated animals for its own purposes and thereby rendered them dependent, or at the least made them co-inhabitants of human-dominated spaces, bears the responsibility of respecting and caring for those animals. Now it urges community involvement for the cause.

The HSL asks youngsters and adults to operate lemonade stands across Louisiana on Aug. 18 to raise funds for the charity. Donations will be divided between the group’s 13 volunteer chapters now operating around the state. Participants are encouraged to pre-register online with the Humane Society by visiting its website at www.humanela.org or by calling 1-888-6-HUMANE.

The Humane Society of Louisiana, established in 1988, is one of the state’s largest animal advocacy organizations. The group operates a statewide animal abuse hotline and houses more than 200 animals at its no-kill sanctuary.