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3 S&R homes join record-breaking Big Squeeze fundraiser
Together, they raised more than $1,500 for Big Brothers Big Sisters Sarnia-Lambton
8/25/2025
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Deron Hamel
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Three S&R Group long-term care communities rallied together recently in support of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton's Big Squeeze, one of the charity's annual fundraisers, bringing in a combined total of $1,565.50.
Trillium Villa Nursing Home, Afton Park Place and Twin Lakes Terrace participated in the fifth annual Big Squeeze on Aug. 6. The event collected a record-breaking $44,200.27, and all money will go towards supporting youth mentoring programs in Sarnia-Lambton.
More than 60 local businesses participated.
The event features a lemonade stand competition where local businesses serve lemonade to the public, with all proceeds benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Residents on hand spent time chatting with family members and visitors who came to the stand, and they especially enjoyed meeting the neighbourhood children who biked over to buy lemonade.
Trillium Villa and Afton Park Place were newcomers to the Big Squeeze, while Twin Lakes Terrace was celebrating its third year.
Twin Lakes Terrace and Afton Park Place earned honours during a lemonade-stand contest held at the event. Twin Lakes Terrace received a Golden Lemon trophy for being judged the "most creative" stand, while Afton Park Place won the award for best lemonade recipe.
“Our cherry lemonade was top-notch, and we offered it with a TikTok twist, bringing in several compliments,” says Afton Park Place life enrichment manager Candice Vrskovy.
While Trillium Villa didn't win an award this year, team members were proud of their fundraising accomplishments.
“Although Trillium Villa fell short of a trophy this year, the home is beyond proud to have raised nearly $1,000 at its golf- and games-inspired lemonade stand,” says life enrichment manager Tara Klompstra.
“Trillium Villa's golf-inspired lemonade stand had everyone sipping on Arnold Palmers (lemonade mixed with iced tea), eating hot dogs and enjoying golf or giant yard games to support one of my most favourite fundraisers.”
Twin Lakes Terrace got creative by making flavoured slushies all day, along with selling lemony baked goods and popcorn.
“Residents had a blast helping out in the sunshine and were thrilled to hear of the win,” says Kendra Donkers, the home's life enrichment manager.
Tara notes the residents' councils from the three homes played a major role in helping the S&R team raise the money.
“Throughout the year, each committee will support various community initiatives, giving back and making a difference,” she says. “Knowing the Big Squeeze helps local children, everyone was a willing participant in what might be the highlight fundraiser of the year.”
She adds that council presidents Mary Baldwin and Allen Hallett sent a “big congratulations” to Big Brothers Big Sisters on their success.
Tara, who previously served as life enrichment manager at Twin Lakes Terrace, adds that she is proud to see more S&R homes participating this year.
“I'm so grateful to have put S&R on the Big Squeeze map three years ago – each year has gotten bigger and better,” she says.
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