With the 2022 Estevan United Way Telethon just days away, we're taking a look at various local member organizations that impact tremendously from the annual event.

One of those member organizations is the St. Joseph’s Health Care Auxiliary.

"We respect it as a community organization that is doing just awesome for Estevan," said the auxiliary's president Marlene Shurygalo. "We're thankful for everything that we receive and we're looking forward to the telethon to promote our city and our people."

Shurygalo said the money raised often goes towards equipment at the hospital, including operating room equipment, lab equipment, and beds for long-term care. The auxiliary's current project is refurbishing the x-ray room with equipment and repairs.

"I'd say in about the last five years, we have given about $600,000 towards helping all the patients in the hospital," Shurygalo said. "We always take projects that go towards helping the people, helping the patients."

After some pandemic disruptions, Shurygalo said her team is getting back up and running with an executive meeting on Thursday. She said they'll be assisting at the telethon by making sandwiches and working the phones.