The United Way wrapped up its 48th Annual Telethon over the weekend, raising $380,676 during 33 hours of fundraising reinforcing this year's slogan of You are the Community
“Of course, people can donate throughout the year, and you know at different times, but most of the money comes from the telethon and we have literally hundreds of volunteers helping to put it on,” said Mark Pettitt, president of the Estevan United Way
“It went amazingly well, we have, as I keep saying, the most generous community in Canada.”
Pettitt expressed amazement at the results despite inflation and high prices. "When times are hard and we have inflation and high prices on everything, we go off the live feed with the most money we’ve ever done.”
The event featured a variety of entertainment from school groups, local bands, and individual performers.
“We have amazing entertainment right from the littlest kids possible to the school groups, to the Estevan SRC committee, to bands to individual entertainers,” said Pettitt.
Held at the Estevan Legion Hall, many attended in person to enjoy the performances.
“It was so nice to see people come out and the hall was really full most of the time which was really nice to see as well,” he added.
Pettitt noted the importance of the United Way, saying 7,500 residents had accessed services through its Community Impact Partners.
“Last year we compiled some numbers and over 7,500 residents, individual residents of Estevan were affected by member agencies of the United Way and our Community Impact Partners,” Pettitt said. “So it goes to show you that it does have a community focus... You never know, it could be you needing a service tomorrow.”
While the entire telethon was memorable, Pettitt highlighted moments that left an impression.
“When you see the kids come on stage with their teachers, and they say hi mom, and they’re waving to their grandparents, that’s a highlight. And then when you see a volunteer who’s been there for literally decades, keep coming back and it’s just hard to put into words until you’re in the situation.”
He also thanked Access Communications for televising the event, which reached a global audience via livestream.
Pettitt said they continue to improve the event and make donating easier.
“We’ve got our e-transfer now. We’ve just introduced Tip Tap, which is a station we use at Murray GM kickoff for donations. We’re live-streaming it. People called in from around the world over the years, and even this year we have someone watching from Denver, Co, so it’s pretty cool.”
He noted technology’s impact on the telethon’s accessibility.
“So the electronic world has really improved our ability to reach people, because historically you actually have to come, you have to walk down to the Legion Hall to make a donation.”
The telethon’s auction also benefitted from tech, allowing people to bid live on Facebook.
“You know it just it's mind-boggling to see the support, we get in this community and I think one of the reasons is people have actually seen that the money stays here. It’s used for agencies that they use themselves.”
Pettitt ended by thanking the community.
“The biggest thank you we could ever send out to the community because this year’s theme was ‘You Are the Community.’ And the community stepped up in an immeasurable way. And thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”