The ninth annual Big Squeeze lemonade fundraiser brought a summer buzz to downtown Whitehorse on Aug. 6 as local businesses and community groups competed to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters Yukon.
Community-driven fundraising with a twist
Organizers said this year’s event featured 18 entrants from across the city, each crafting their own take on lemonade while vying for prizes for both the best drink and the top fundraiser. The competition’s only firm rule: no alcohol in the lemonade.
Participants took diverse approaches to attract customers, turning some stands into mini pop-ups rather than simple tables. Among the tactics observed:
- offering baked goods and other complementary treats;
- dressing up stands with colourful décor and signage;
- promoting on social media and encouraging repeat customers.
Dale Abbott-Smith, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Yukon, said the Big Squeeze has become the charity’s single largest annual fundraiser, driven by strong public enthusiasm and community participation.
“People are really enthusiastic. They kind of feel more accomplished when they’re the ones doing [the fundraising] instead of just making a donation and the community really rallies around us.”
Why the event matters
Big Brothers Big Sisters Yukon matches volunteer mentors with young people across the territory. While the program is not explicitly designed as a tutoring service, Abbott-Smith said many mentees benefit in broader ways, often showing improved school performance and increased confidence in social settings. Some mentor–mentee pairs form relationships that last for years.
Last year the Big Squeeze raised just over $7,000. Abbott-Smith told organisers he hopes to reach a similar figure this summer, noting that funds raised through the event help sustain programming and support mentor recruitment and training across the territory.
Event snapshot
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Edition | 9th annual |
| Location | Whitehorse |
| Entrants | 18 businesses/organizations |
| Key rule | No alcohol allowed in entries |
| Funds raised (previous year) | $7,000+ |
Local impact and next steps
Beyond the cash raised, the Big Squeeze also functions as a visibility event for the mentorship program, allowing potential volunteers and families to learn about services in an informal setting. Abbott-Smith emphasised the value of local businesses stepping up: their involvement not only attracts customers but also models volunteerism and civic engagement for young people in the community.
Organizers have not yet announced final tallies for this year’s edition, nor the winners of the best-lemonade and top-fundraiser awards. Those results will determine how much the event contributes to the organisation’s operating budget and outreach initiatives this year.
How Whitehorse residents can help
Residents who missed the Big Squeeze can still support Big Brothers Big Sisters Yukon through donations or by enquiring about becoming a volunteer mentor. The organisation matches mentors and mentees based on shared interests and personalities, with activities tailored to each pair’s preferences. Volunteers undergo screening and training before being matched.
The Big Squeeze has become part of Whitehorse’s summer calendar, blending small-business creativity with direct support for youth services. As Abbott-Smith noted, the event succeeds because it invites people to participate actively in the fundraising effort — a model that keeps the community invested in its young people’s future.
— Sheila Netro, NEXO RADAR
