ESTEVAN — The United Way Estevan is ready to launch its 48th annual telethon, a 33-hour live event aimed at raising $348,000 for local member agencies and community impact projects.
The event will kick off at 8 a.m. on Oct. 18 and run until the following evening at 6 p.m. at the Estevan Royal Canadian Legion. This year's theme is You Are the Community.
"We are super excited," said Mark Pettitt, the United Way Estevan's president. "We have a full slate of entertainment with some new performers, but we also have people who've been helping us out for years coming back."
For the full entertainment schedule, see Page A14.
The telethon will feature a mix of singing, dancing and musical performances from local artists and children of different ages, continuing a tradition that has become a hallmark of the event.
The excitement is building with the auction of handmade items, which will be on display at Murray GM in Estevan on Oct. 16. The Kick-off to Telethon Lunch will occur starting at 11:30 a.m. After the event, the items will be moved to the legion with bidding to occur in person and online, starting the morning of the telethon.
"You can bid on those at United Way 2024 Bid Items on Facebook, starting October 18," Pettitt added.
Pettitt noted that support from volunteers, donors and performers has been overwhelmingly positive.
"This community totally amazes me every year," he said. "We think we have the best support... from volunteers to donors to member agencies to community impact partners."
The funds raised will go to support 11 local member agencies and eight community impact projects, including the breakfast program at Hillcrest School, the United Way Day of Caring, and initiatives at the Estevan legion.
Preparation for the telethon has been a months-long effort involving the dedication of board members and volunteers.
"I can't say enough about how great our board is and how dedicated each member is to making Estevan a better place," said Pettitt. "It really feels like a family."
The event, which is live-streamed on Access Now and the United Way Estevan website, allows people from across Canada and around the world to participate.
"We actually have people around the world call in sometimes or make a donation from as far away as Australia," Pettitt said.
The long-running fundraiser continues to highlight the importance of community collaboration.
"Each volunteer is part of the community, and every donation and act of support proves that 'You Are the Community,'" Pettitt emphasized.
The event still needs some volunteers. If anyone is interested in joining, they can call the office at 306-634-7375 or email [email protected].
For those unable to attend in person, the telethon can be watched online via the United Way Estevan website and on Access Now.
The pledge line will be open during the telethon at 306-340-4625. Email for e-transfers is [email protected].
