United Way Estevan will be looking to raise $338,000 this year to satisfy the needs of the organization’s 17 member agencies and three community impact projects.
The theme for the organization this year will be Lead the Way.
President Wendy Gustafson said the local Untied Way chapter got a good start to the year through the Day of Caring event, held on June 10, which saw volunteers from across the community lending a helping, neighbourly hand to get small, but significant, projects complete across the city.
“It turned out very, very good. We had some donations get made. We had a little basket at the barbecue, and people were very generous there,” said Gustafson.
The Day of Caring is one of the organization’s community impact projects. The other two see funding going to the Hillcrest School’s breakfast program and Challenge Day at the Estevan Comprehensive School.
Though the $338,000 target is a lofty goal that has been met in years past, Gustafson said the United Way understands Estevan businesses and other supporters are operating in a different economic climate than in the past.
“We can’t ignore the fact that this year, things are a little tougher. That the economy isn’t quite what it was,” she said. “But we have faith in our community and know this community and the surrounding area has always been very generous and works hard.”
United Way Estevan raises the majority of its annual fundraising goal at the group’s annual telethon. This year’s telethon will begin on Oct. 16 and will run through to the next day.
This year’s target is a little lower than 2014’s goal of $340,000. The target was met, and by the end of last year’s telethon, the group had raised more than $347,000.
“It’s going to be tough to make it but we’re really positive about it,” added Gustafson.
She said for those who are interested in donating items to be auctioned off during the October telethon, the United Way is accepting goods now, in an effort to avoid being overcome by items at the last minute.
“We’re looking forward to the fall coming up. We’re really positive and excited. Everybody is on board, and we’re ready to hit our goal,” said Gustafson, who added the group is grateful for whatever they are able to raise for their member agencies.
