When the United Way Estevan’s board of directors decided in 1977 that they should try a telethon as a way to raise funds, there was no way they could have imagined that it would have such a resounding, long-lasting impact.
They didn’t know what to expect that first year, but they raised $61,680 during the 36-hour telecast, and smashed the goal of $37,800.
The board wanted to try something different, and the community told them that this was a magnificent idea.
The telethon has occurred each year since 1977, raising a total of nearly $7 million for member agencies and community partners that support the people of southeast Saskatchewan.
It is an event that brings the entire community together. Not only does it draw outstanding support from individual and corporate donors, but it also has volunteers from all demographics in the community.
The most visible example of the volunteers is found in the entertainment. People of all ages perform during the 33 hours. A particularly enduring quality of the telethon is the school children who sing and dance and introduce themselves to the community during the opening hours of the telethon. It also gives the youths an early introduction to the telethon and all the work the United Way does in the community.
But people also volunteer to answer phones, run the cameras, work in the kitchen, sell raffle tickets, type the donations, tabulate the totals and work behind the scenes in a variety of capacities.
The telethon is truly a testament to the generosity of local people and the many hours that the Estevan area’s residents are willing to dedicate to volunteering.
This year’s telethon, on Oct. 14 and 15 at the Royal Canadian Legion, will be the 40th edition of the broadcast. It’s a chance to reflect on all that the United Way has done for the community, to celebrate those who have been part of the telethon over the years, and to show our commitment, once again, to the United Way and its member agencies and community partners.
The goal is $325,000. It is an ambitious objective in this current economy, and it is more than the telethon raised last year, but the United Way’s goal is set each year with the needs of the member agencies in mind.
The telethon is about community. It’s about coming together to help our family members, our friends, our co-workers and our neighbours who access the services provided by the member agencies.
It’s a virtual guarantee that you know someone who has benefitted from the efforts of the member agencies or community partners. If you don’t, you’re likely either new to the community, or you’re a hermit.
And odds are pretty good that you know someone who will be part of the telethon.
It’s time to come together and show our support for each other once again.