Estevan’s United Way got a head start on its telethon fundraising this week with a special event at the Orpheum Theatre. The local theatre opened its doors for fans to watch the Banjo Bowl matchup between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers while supporting a good cause.
Becca Foord, second vice president of United Way Estevan, said admission to the game viewing was free, but donations were collected at a table set up inside the theatre. “Everybody came in with, you know, their twenty-dollar bill. They donated what they could and what they wanted to, and we raised about $300,” Foord said.
The event also served as a community kickoff to the United Way telethon season. “We just started our first meetings this week for getting ready for the telethon. It’s a really good way to get some exposure in the community,” Foord added.
Foord expressed gratitude to the Orpheum Theatre for their support. “They’ve made this place really welcoming for Rider fans. There’s green everywhere. They were just so great to us today to be able to do this, and we’re really grateful for them and for being in the community,” she said.
The funds raised at the theatre event will go directly to United Way Estevan programs, helping local initiatives that support health, education, and social services.