The United Way Estevan committee has once again set their sights high, as they hopes to topple another fundraising goal in 2013.
Culminating with the October telethon, the local United Way branch has set a fundraising goal of $350,000 for the 37th local campaign.
Dawn Schell, United Way Estevan president, said she is both nervous and excited about reaching their goal.
"This is something new for me, but I'm confident I'm working with a great committee and a great board and a great community that always seems to come together at the right time."
The organization's telethon will be held Oct. 18, running overnight into the 19th.
"Every year the goals are a little higher, but I'm totally confident in our community. They always come together," she added.
Last year's goal of $335,000 was dwarfed by the fundraising total of about $493,000.
The funds raised are distributed to United Way Estevan's 18 member agencies, as well as going to a number of community impact projects, like the Day of Caring, Hillcrest School breakfast programs and Challenge Day, which is held for Grade 9 students at the Estevan Comprehensive School each September.
"We've been branching off the last few years from just helping fund our member agencies. We've looked a little deeper into what the community needs and are trying to come up with ways that we can be helpful to not just the member agencies but the other areas as well," said Schell. "We're always keeping our eyes and ears open to what the community's needs are."
Lori Buchanan, executive director of United Way Estevan, said the organization consults with their member agencies to determine what the needs are in those groups.
Member agencies apply for funding each spring, and all funds raised are put toward the coming year. The fundraising goal is based on what the agencies will require for the following year, as well as what the United Way will need to cover its operating costs.
"There is a committee that goes over the full budget and examines the applications that have come in, and determines where the United Way feels its best effort could be put forward for the community. They determine the allocations from there," said Buchanan.
When the United Way completes its campaign in the fall, the funds are distributed, so all money raised this year will be used by agencies in 2014. Most agencies are local, but there are some national ones, like the Canadian Red Cross, that receive funding as well.
