The United Way of Estevan has set a goal of $325,000 for Octobers annual Telethon, as they recently confirmed the 15 member agencies of which funds raised will go towards. Last years 40th annual Telethon saw their goal beat by almost $75,000. Over $372,000 was raised, surpassing the goal of $325,000 originally set. By the end of December, the total had grown to $398,460.

Along with the lofty goals set, the non-profit organization elects a theme of which the telethon will embrace.

"United Through Adversity"

"When we first discussed it, the first thing our board thought of was the adversity of tough economic times," Estevan United Way President Patrick Fisher said of choosing this years theme. "After talking about it we looked at it from a different view. Adversity isn't something that just happens when the oil field is in a down turn, a lot of struggles that we go through in our daily life include over coming adversity."

"The United Way is all about supporting working through problems and helping people deal with adversity that they're dealing with in their own life."

Fisher also noted that regardless whether its a good economic year or bad, there's adversity in this town through the clients at the member agencies.

"We want to show that we are supportive and that they can feel like they have a source they can turn to during that time of adversity. These member agencies do a lot of really great work in the community. As the economy gets worse, their needs go up so its important that we keep the funding available to them so they can do the amazing work they do in the community."

"A lot of what i'm looking at this year, is to try and get their stories out. You hear stories of people who have been effected by these agencies, it makes a huge difference to the well being of people in the community who have been effected," Fisher concluded.

Throughout the summer, the organization will spend time educating the community about what the United Way does, as well as showing their value to the community. This years Telethon will take place from October 27-28th.