United Way Estevan Concludes AGM

The United Way Estevan held their annual general meeting (AGM) on Friday night to celebrate their wildly successful milestone year in 2016.

The non-profit organization that supports 15 member agencies in Estevan and southeast Saskatchewan exceeded their fundraising goal by almost $75,000 during their 40th year of hosting a 33-hour Telethon in October.

Over $372,000 was raised during the Telethon, surpassing the goal of $325,000 originally set. By the end of December, the total had grown to $398,460.

READ MORE: Final Total From 40th Annual Telethon

The AGM held on March 31st at the Beefeater Plaza was a night to celebrate the tremendous support from the community and a look ahead at what's to come in 2017.

Among things on the agenda was the upcoming United Way Day of Caring.

The Day of Caring is an annual event to celebrate volunteering and to help contribute to the community. 

"It's a great opportunity for everyone to get together with the board and people in the community to help others that can't do jobs on their own," expressed Board Member Wendy Gustafson.

"Its open to any one in the community and its a great day."

This years Day of Caring will be held on May 24th. Gustafson added to get project ideas in by May 15th.

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The United Way provides funding for positive initiatives like the Hillcrest School Breakfast club.

Community education liaison for Hillcrest School Sara Pippus spoke about what the program has done for the kids.

"When the kids come in its a way to level the playing field. We like that no matter where your from ir what your background is, that you get to have a full stomach in the morning."

"We find it changes the whole entire school day for the kids."

"The kids are now learning about how to be good volunteers because we've had so many volunteers come in and take care of the kids." Pippus added.

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 Another highlight of the event was the announcement of incoming president Patrick Fisher.

Fisher spoke about his time with the United Way in Estevan and his thoughts on becoming president.

"They instantly made me feel like a part of a family"

"After my first telethon, I feel like this was a good show of how great Estevan is and how supportive the community is to one another."

"I'm really excited for our current executive, and looking forward to the direction were going to take in the next year."

Fisher added the work of past president Christa Morhart wont go unnoticed.

"There's no one who has worked harder than she has."

"She's set a very high bar for me to look forward to in the next year." Patrick added.

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The 2017 Telethon will take place two weeks later than usual due to a scheduling conflict at the Royal Canadian Legion.

This year's fundraiser will be held on October 27 - 28th in Estevan.