National Hot Chocolate Day meant a lot more than a warm drink for a 13-year-old boy in Whitby. For Cohen Lane, the day was about so much more.
“I want to give back to [SickKids] and show some support. This is the best way to do it,” said Cohen.
In 2022, Cohen had the idea of starting a hot chocolate stand at the bottom of his driveway to raise money for SickKids. Since then, “Coco’s Cocoa for Kids” has raised more than $100,000.
When the world felt cold, Cohen decided to be the one to warm it up. Each winter for the past four years, he has set up his hot chocolate stand at the end of the driveway, welcoming members of the community.
Many years ago, his cousin needed a $50,000 treatment from SickKids to save his life, said Karina Oliveira, Cohen’s mom. When they hit the $50,000 mark in the third year of the cocoa stand, it was very emotional.
“It’s come full circle,” she said.
Cohen didn’t expect it to blow up as it did. “Maybe a few thousand dollars,” he said, but a few weeks in, he knew it was something special.
For Karina and her husband, Jason Lane, it was never about the end goal. It was about the courage and determination that came from their son in each moment.
“Right from the beginning, I was more proud that he even wanted to do it,” Jason said.
On National Hot Chocolate Day, many people lined up to grab a hot chocolate and chat with community members.
“I think it’s a nice local community event and I hope it continues,” said Christina Foreman, a family friend. She said Cohen is a great kid and “it’s nice to have a little ray of sunshine.”
Cohen’s courage has made its mark on so many others. “It’s very contagious,” Jason said. “It’s now the Coco Crew.”
Cohen’s family and friends volunteer to help run the stand on busy days. “We pride in seeing the other kids want to get involved,” said Karina.
Kids haven’t been the only ones inspired. The Whitby Fire and Emergency Services (WFES) have hosted three annual golf tournaments for SickKids so far, and plan for a fourth this year. Firefighters celebrated National Hot Chocolate Day with Cohen.
“I think it’s great and it gives a lot of hope for future generations,” said firefighter Terry Williams.
His colleague, Chad Valois, agrees.
“To have [the kids] take the time out of their day to do this and support this cause for their friends and family is truly incredible to see,” he said.
Kevin Dunbar said it’s good see young people, like Cohen and his crew, giving back.
Cohen became the first youth SickKids fundraiser ambassador and a SickKids youth cabinet member.
He has also encouraged people to grow in unexpected ways.
“I’ve learned skill sets that I’ve honestly never expected to learn,” said Karina. “I look at my skillsets now and I’m pretty surprised.”
Jason said the journey with Cohen has been “amazing” for him as well.
“I was kind of always in the background of stuff,” he said. “This has brought out my ambitions as well.”
It all started with a dream. For kids who feel unsure about the difference they can make in the world, Cohen has advice: “Shoot your shot, do your thing, even if it doesn’t seem like it’s gonna be big, trust me, it will be.”