There's still time to sign up to participate in the fifth annual Big Squeeze.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton will host its lemonade contest on August 6.
Executive Director Kaylen Burgess said the event continues to grow each year.
"When we started it back in 2019, we had 12 businesses take part and we raised just over $6,000 that year," said Burgess. "In 2024, we had 63 businesses [participate] and brought in just over $31,000."
Burgess said over 50 businesses were registered to participate at the beginning of this week and they hope to hear from more.
"They can either give us a call here at the office, they can DM [direct message] us on any of our social media platforms, so Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, or they can email us at SarniaStudent@BigBrothersBigSisters.ca," Burgess said. "The girls would love to give you some information to get your business signed up."
Over $80,000 has been raised by the event in the past four years.
"For a smaller event, that's huge for us. We rely heavily on fundraisers. We don't have any government funding, so every dollar counts, and everything that comes back goes right into our youth programming," Burgess said.
She said group and one-to-one mentoring are offered.
"We're in a good majority of the schools and then of course we have our one-to-one community based matching program. Last year, we served over 750 kids in those programs and we continue to have just over 100 kids waiting for a one-to-one match in Sarnia and the county."
Burgess said the event also helps them attract volunteers.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.