ESTEVAN — Be Part of the Energy – the United Way Estevan Telethon is happening at the end of this week.
All of the major pieces are already in place for 33 hours of entertainment, socializing and fundraising for the community's needed services. The 47th telethon will take place at the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion from 8 a.m. on Oct. 13 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 14. The entire event will air on Access Now. The goal is to raise $343,064 for member agencies and community projects.
United Way Estevan president Michelle Beaulieu said last week that things were coming together well.
"All of our entertainment is booked, and it's going really well," Beaulieu said.
This year, the United Way had a lot of interest from local performers of different kinds. The community will see a few new participants and many beloved regular ones. Everyone is invited to stop by the legion or tune into Access Now throughout the hours of the telethon to enjoy the local talent and support the cause. (For the full entertainment schedule, see PAGE A10)
A lot of people have also stepped forward as volunteers to help ensure the event runs smoothly. Beaulieu said quite a few joined for the first time too, which was encouraging to see.
"Everybody in the community has really stepped up to volunteer because it takes a lot of volunteers to make this run smoothly," Beaulieu said.
Their handmade bid items, donated by community members, are currently on display at Murray GM Estevan. They will remain there until after the traditional Murray GM Kick-off to Telethon luncheon, slated for Oct. 11. All items are also being posted on the United Way 2023 Bid Items Facebook page and will be available for bidding online through that page, or by calling in or stopping by the legion.
Beaulieu said the bid items will be accepted up until the telethon, and they hope to get about 100 unique pieces for the community to shop for.
"Our bid item committee has done a really good job in reaching out to more people, so we've had quite a few new donors, few new items this year, and everything's handmade," Beaulieu said.
A lot of businesses also joined United Way's effort and organized promotions ahead of the event. Raising money for the telethon this year have been the Great Canadian Oil Change, Domino's Pizza, Tower Café, McDonald's, Souris Family Pharmacy and the Southern Plains Co-op. Many other local businesses are selling helping hands for the United Way. The Estevan Comprehensive School is also running a pie-in-the-face fundraiser this year.
"Everybody gets involved one way or another. And I mean, rightfully, we have so many member agencies, and so many people benefit from the funds that we raise this coming weekend," Beaulieu said.
All of the United Way Estevan member agencies they support on a regular basis will be coming into the legion during the telethon to talk about how they serve the community's needs.
Beaulieu said that while the telethon is a really big event to put together, the great United Way board made it much easier on her as this year's president.
"The board is amazing. This is our 47th annual telethon, so everybody knows their role, and so it makes it pretty easy being a president," Beaulieu said. "It's been a really good time with a really good board. It is busy with a lot of little things to take care of and decisions to make, but it's been really good, and I'm really excited for the telethon. It's a really fun time and I love seeing the community rally together.
"Come down to the legion and watch the entertainment live or on Access Now. And if you want to donate, call the phone line that's there or send an e-transfer or stop by the legion and donate right there."
The pledge line will be open during the telethon at 306-340-4625. Email for e-transfers is etransfer@unitedwayestevan.com.
