The United Way Estevan is once again stepping up to support local schools as students head back to class this fall.
Executive Director Heidi Hesselink explained that one of the organization’s main focus areas is helping children reach their full potential, which includes funding several school-based initiatives. Programs currently supported in Estevan include the Hillcrest Breakfast Club, the Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) Student in Need lunch program, and Muffin Mornings at ECS.
New Hillcrest School principal Shannon Brown said the United Way has played an important role in ensuring students start their day with a healthy meal. “Their support makes a meaningful difference in creating a caring, nourished, and ready-to-learn school community,” she noted. The Hillcrest Breakfast Club returns on September 3, with volunteers from the community helping serve meals. Families are also invited to a Welcome Back BBQ on September 24.
At ECS, Principal James Jones shared that the Student in Need program provides lunch vouchers for students who may require extra support. “By fueling the bodies of those high school students, it helps to put those active minds into gear when they’re in the classroom,” he said. ECS also benefits from Muffin Mornings, where local sponsors provide hundreds of muffins to students, with the United Way sponsoring two mornings each year. ECS families will gather on August 28 for the Load Your Locker night and BBQ, with the Student Representative Council also preparing for their traditional “night shift” performance at the United Way Telethon.
Looking ahead, the United Way Telethon is set for October 17–18 with the theme United We Make a Difference. Hesselink said the event will once again showcase student performances from Hillcrest and ECS, while raising vital funds to keep these programs running.