Calgary youth push lemonade to raise money for Autism Asperger's Friendly Society.

Apparently there is no inflation at Dane's Lemonade stand.

“No, it's not,” Dane Benesch said.

On Monday, Copperfield's cost $1 for a tall glass of lemonade, the same as when it started 2018.

He was eight years old at that time.

He is now 13.

During that time, Benesch raised $7,575.30 for the Autism Asperger's Friendly Society (AAFS) – about $88 the first year and just over $3,000 last year.

At first, he wanted to use the lemonade stand to buy his mother a house.

But, you know, inflation. Helping AAFS is an attainable goal.

“He chose the Autism Asperger's Friendly Society of Calgary,” said Maria Petersen's mother.

“The programs they do for our youth in the community with autism are amazing.

“What better way to give back than with the venue we use?” We love them.”

Petersen mentioned the AAFS garage, find a bike, LEGO, lacrosse and craft programs as some of the programs her son has participated in and benefited from.

“I have autism and ADHD, so I want to support them…I give them money every year,” Benes said.

Despite the cold and rainy weather on Monday, he kept his word.

He always is.

He said it doesn't matter what the weather is like, he's still going to be out there drinking.

“Sometimes it's cold. Sometimes it's raining. It's muddy. It doesn't matter to us — we're always outside,” he said.

It is enough to create a mother ray.

“I'm just a proud mom,” Petersen said.

“He comes out and gives it his all whenever we go to events.”

Petersen noted that the lemonade stand also helped her son grow up.

He says that through this activity, Benes has learned calculus, now budgeting, as well as social and organizational skills.

“This opportunity gave him invaluable life skills that he fought so hard for,” she said.

Benes received the 2021 Young Philanthropist Award in Calgary.

His goal is to run a lemonade stand by the age of 16.

He also accepts electronic transfers online at [email protected].

With files from Tyler Barrow