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ChompSaw program sparks interest and creativity among Trillium Villa men
Hands-on workshops are drawing growing interest
5/6/2026
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Deron Hamel
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Finding programming to engage the men living at Trillium Villa can be challenging, but team members at the Sarnia long-term care community say they've found a program that's turning quiet afternoons into lively workshops, with more men choosing to participate.
Tara Klompstra, Trillium Villa's life enrichment manager, says that since introducing the ChompSaw program, many of the men living at the home have been coming to the sessions to tap into their creativity and have fun.
The ChompSaw is a tabletop tool used to cut cardboard into specific shapes and lines. It uses a blade hidden inside the machine so the user never has to touch a sharp edge and is completely safe.
The ChompSaw, which garnered lots of attention when it was featured on an episode of Shark Tank in 2024, offers a hands-on activity that engages both mind and hands, encouraging focus, co-ordination and cognitive stimulation through simple building tasks.
By allowing users to cut and shape cardboard into 3D forms, it also supports independence and creativity, giving participants a clear sense of accomplishment as projects take shape.
Tara notes that the ChompSaw is suitable for people of all ages and cognitive abilities and, due to the product's design, helps set participants up for success.
“This program has literally created the most noise – in all the right ways – with staff, family and residents all complimenting the purpose and vision of the program,” Tara tells S&R Today.
Life enrichment team members Tammy Longe and Maggie McAuley led a group of men through their first project when it debuted in March. The first program was called Lucky Charms, and residents made clovers, hearts and other designs.
Residents were quick to learn how to master the ChompSaw.
“It was like they'd been doing this their whole lives,” Maggie says. “They all took such pride in their efforts and finished projects.”
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