The United Way Telethon is set to begin Friday morning, though they've already raised money with a kickoff event earlier this week.

Murray GM hosted that kickoff event, joined by United Way Estevan members and Estevan Bruins, offering a meal for donations during the lunch hour.

On Wednesday they raised $4,269 for United Way Estevan, with General Manager and Owner Brad Pierson explaining their history.

"I think it's been our fifth year going with it and you know we had a couple of slower years during COVID but we were very happy with our turnout yesterday and the reason behind it is that when we got this kicked off was just to bring more awareness to the United Way in leading into their big weekend."

He teams up with his brother Jeff, who owns Blackbeard's, in order to serve up those meals.

Pierson says the annual kickoff has been very well received by United Way Estevan.

"The United Way loved the idea years ago, and they still do because like I said, we spend some money and get it out on the radio and we try to do a fair bit of advertising and it brings some early recognition to them. Just to get people's heads wrapped around the upcoming weekend and you know the event yesterday also gives them an opportunity if they're not around on the weekend to stop in and make a donation."

The money raised was great and the event itself also doubles as an advertisement for what people could end up winning during the telethon. 

"I would say it was a very good day for us. To bring in over $4000 for an event that just lasts a couple of hours with lunch and some people don't even take lunch. They just come in, make a donation, and check out the silent auction items that will be available this weekend," said Pierson, "They've been on display here now for a few weeks, and it's just all around a good opportunity and just another opportunity to bring awareness to everything that the United Way is."

Pierson also pointed out that the Southern Plains Co-op helped out by donating a portion of fuel sales during the day as well.

The United Way Estevan's Telethon is set to begin at 8 AM Friday morning.

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