One of the biggest days fo the year for both Golden West Radio in Estevan and the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation is almost upon us as the Radiothon For Life begins tomorrow right at 6:00 AM. 

Though COVID-19 has pushed the event back from its usual start date in spring, and forced it to relocate from the hospital to the radio station in Estevan, the event will still be similar to years passed in many ways. All the money raised still goes to the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, and you can still call in to donate. 

"Obviously it was postponed due to COVID but we're excited to bring back this huge event for us and a major fundraiser for the community," said SJHF executive director Breanne Van De Woestyne. "We're excited to launch on September 16 for 12 hours, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. And this year we're on all three radio stations instead of two."

The Hospital Foundation has a capital wishlist of over $400,000 worth of equipment, but this year a very specific part of that list will get funds from the Radiothon. All money raised will go towards the newly completed addictions treatment centre, which specializes in helping methamphetamine addicts in their recovery. 

In-person donations have been a highlight of the Radiothon in previous years and have been responsible for a lot of the money raised, but with social distancing protocols in effect, people are encouraged to donate over the phone or online instead. 

"We're really encouraging people to donate online through our website at www.sjhf.org," Van De Woestyne said, "or by calling in ahead of time. We have actually been receiving cheques in the mail as well, so people are already donating early, which is a good sign."

Van De Woestyne added that people still could stop by the radio station to donate, but there will be an outdoor donation drop-off tent. You can also call in, as per usual, and volunteers will take your call at (306) 687-0310. 

The SJHF is also running a silent auction ahead of the radiothon with items donated by local businesses. It launched on September 1, and immediately garnered public support. 

"We approached local businesses to see if they would want to donate different experiences, gift cards, and services," Van De Woestyne said, "something that they could use to really promote their business but also help us in return. So we've got experiences from staycations to autobody packages to tires to jewelry. It's something for everyone." 

For full details on the Radiothon, including where to go to donate and what to expect as far as protocols go, click here.