More local businesses have signed up to participate in a city-wide lemonade competition in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton.
The Big Squeeze will mark its third year on August 9 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The lemonade stand competition launched in 2019 with 19 businesses and raised $6,700 for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Executive Director Kaylen Burgess said there was a brief hiatus due to the pandemic but the fundraiser returned in 2022 with 39 businesses and the event raised over $19,000 in just four hours.
"So far for 2023, we have [over 55] businesses across Sarnia and Lambton County participating," said Burgess.
"It's a fun opportunity for businesses to take part, it's good team building, and it's such a fun day for the community. The first year we did this, we were kind of knocking on people's doors to get them to do this. Now, I would say over half of the businesses that took part this year have come to us."
This year, organizers are hoping to raise around $25,000.
"Currently, we have a huge push and a huge drive for our waiting list. We currently have 100 kids waiting on our waiting list for a mentor in the one-to-once community-based program, so this money will be going toward that," said Burgess.
A map to showcase participating businesses will be released the day before the event.
"So anywhere you see a stand in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters [on August 9], stop, grab some lemonade, and make a donation," Burgess said.
Judges will also visit all of the participating lemonade stands. Burgess said there are a few more prize categories this year, including best theme, best stand, and most creative lemonade.
