The United Way Telethon has begun, with 33 hours of uninterrupted broadcast available here in Estevan.

Being held at the Estevan Legion Hall, the telethon has been supporting local community organizations for over 40 years.

The money being raised through the telethon will go to those organizations that then provide numerous services to Estevan and the surrounding community.

One of those is the Estevan Regional Nursing Home Ladies' Auxillary, which supports the nursing home through volunteer work.

Auxillary member Rhonda jones says that the funds they get are very helpful.

"Th funds that we receive from the Estevan United Way are used every single day in our home. We are extremely grateful for the funding, we are able to purchase supplies to provide programs for the patients. We have a large home here in Estevan, there are 60 or 65 residents at ENRH, and they've got a variety of needs. The money goes a long way in helping our residents."

Another supported organization is the Estevan Area Literacy Group, which works to encourage literacy in Estevan among children and adults.

Literacy Coordinator Grace Caputio says that the funding they receive is very helpful.

"I think with all these programs we have, they are free and the United Way is our biggest contributor, so it's important to continue to run these free programs for the children. We do need that funding so the donations go a long way, it helps our children with their reading skills and builds their confidence, and our programs help with literacy and help build social and emotional well-being for the children and adults."

The Telethon will be running until 5 PM Saturday afternoon, with events and performances scheduled throughout.