Five-year-old Haylen Astalos is offering sweet frozen treats for an even sweeter cause this summer, raising thousands of dollars for charity, $2 at a time.
The pint-sized Alberta philanthropist came up with the idea for his money-raising ice cream stand after he turned five-years-old, Astalos' mom Tabitha Astalos told CTV's Canada AM on Wednesday.
Astalos's mother and father decided that, rather than bringing presents, his birthday party guests could each bring two $5 bills. One $5 bill would go to the birthday boy, and the other to a charity of his choice.
Haylen Astalos sells ice cream in a ninja turtle costume with his cousin in June, 2015. (Haylen's Ice-Cream Shop / Facebook)
The Blackfalds, Alta., native ended up with $200, half of which he donated to Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta in Red Deer.
"Once we told him about Ronald McDonald House and how they help sick kids, that was instantly his choice," Tabitha Astalos said. "It was pretty cool to hear him say that and to make the choice on his own."
The charity offers families a place to stay while their sick children undergo medical treatment, and serves 20,000 families a year in Canada, according to their website.
Haylen Astalos counts the money he collected for the charity Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta from selling ice cream. (Haylen's Ice-Cream Shop / Facebook)
But the $100 donation wasn't enough for the Alberta boy. Astalos and his parents soon got to work on building an ice cream stand, where he sells $2 popsicles and ice cream.
As the business grew, Astalos' mom decided to create a Facebook page to let customers know when and where he'd be selling his frozen treats.
The enterprise has proven so successful that he donated $2,617.21 to the Ronald McDonald House last month.
Haylen Astalos stands at his ice cream shop next to a sign with his donation goal on July 22, 2015. (Haylen's Ice-Cream Shop / Facebook)
He has asked customers to bring empty bottles to the ice cream stand when they stop by for a summer treat. Astalos will then return the bottles and donate those funds to the charity as well.
As of Wednesday morning, Astalos has already raised an additional $1,745, since his donation last month, putting him even closer to his new goal of $3,009.
