Communtiy supports the Day of Caring

People from the Estevan area once again showed their support for those in need of assistance through the United Way Estevan’s Day of Caring on Wednesday.

This year’s event had about 185 volunteers who worked to fill 54 projects of all kinds. It proved to be a perfect day as well, thanks to the warm, sunny and calm day in the southeast region.

“We have a great variety of projects today,” said Wendy Gustafson, the Day of Caring committee chair. “We’ve got lots of people with indoor work.”

Oven cleaning seemed to be a popular task for the Day of Caring beneficiaries this year. Gustafson pointed out it can be a difficult job for a senior citizen. Volunteers also completed lots of lawn raking, hedge trimming, eavestrough cleaning, window washing and flower planting.

And for the first time, somebody asked for help to change a tire on a camper.

Numerous organizations will also benefit from the Day of Caring projects, including Creighton Lodge, the Estevan Regional Nursing Home, St. Joseph’s Hospital long-term care, the Estevan Bible Camp, the Souris Valley Theatre, the Estevan Humane Society and many more.

“We have lots of projects that are big ones,” said Gustafson.

But most of the projects could be found at the homes of local residents. Banners were set up in front of homes to indicate that they would benefit from the Day of Caring. 

“It’s especially nice with the seniors, because it’s not just a time to help them, but they look forward to having the people come, and it’s a good social time for them, too,” said Gustafson.  

A barbecue lunch was served at the Estevan Alliance Church that attracted a large crowd. A silver collection was taken to help offset the costs of the lunch. The barbecue used to run from noon to 1 p.m., but due to the number of people who attend, it begins at 11:30 a.m., giving people more time to get through the lineup.

Volunteers help to prepare the food for the barbecue.

Once the barbecue wrapped up, volunteers headed out to their afternoon projects.

The number of projects for the Day of Caring continues to grow each year, she said. Many of them are on the project list each year, but some received supported for the first time. She believes it’s a reflection of the growing awareness of the Day of Caring.

“People realize that there is help available, and so I think that people start looking forward to May, and knowing that we’re going to be doing our Day of Caring, so it’s pretty neat that people just start making plans for the Day of Caring,” said Gustafson.