The community was once again very generous towards the United Way Estevan in 2019.
According to financial statements released during the organization’s annual general meeting March 25, the United Way received $394,983 in donations in 2019, up from $387,595 the previous year, eclipsing their goal of $340,000 for 2019. The bulk of the donations, $377,152, came during the United Way’s telethon in October.
The amount raised was a new off-air record.
Corporate donations accounted for $215,715 of their donations in 2019, up from $215,244 the previous year. They also received $61,472 in employee donations (down from $67,849), $32,380 in small business donations (up from $31,985) and $9,699 in educational donations (up from $6,502).
But the big increases came through non-profit support, which went from $2,667 in 2018 to $9,623 in 2019, and individual donations, which jumped from $46,481 in 2018 to $52,773 last year.
As for expenses, the United Way distributed $284,100 to its member agencies and $35,000 through its community impact fund. Campaign expenses ($43,400) accounted for the bulk of their remaining costs.
The financial statements were among the highlights of the annual meeting, which was held through a teleconference call as opposed to their traditional format, which would include a supper. Still, 30 people, including board members, member agency representatives and others, called in for the meeting.
A new executive was elected. Melanie Graham will be the president for 2020, with Danny Ewen the first vice-president and Becca Gustafson the second vice-president. Lynn Trobert is the treasurer and Becca Foord will be the past-president.
Foord and Graham both tabled reports during the meeting. Graham said she joined the board in 2014, and soon found she was included in a group who treated each other like family, which is very important to her.
“Not only did the board members show great teamwork and respect each other, but also motivation, collaboration, leadership, positivity – all of these which made becoming a part of the team an easy decision,” Graham said.
Many in the Estevan area are facing difficult times in a rapidly changing economy and world, but the United Way’s goal is to continue to strive to aid member agencies and enhance all lives in the community and surrounding area.
“We’re fortunate to live in a city where despite times of uncertainty, the community always pulls together in support of our cause. And I’m confident the same will happen in 2020,” she said.
The United Way’s 44th annual telethon is slated to happen Oct. 16 and 17 at the Royal Canadian Legion’s Estevan branch.
Foord said the money that was raised was a great accomplishment, not just for the board but for the community as a whole.
“The United Way Estevan is grateful for the generosity of the community, exceeding our telethon goal for another year. The money donated means the member agencies and the community impact projects we support can continue to provide important services to our community, but it’s needed now more than ever.”
Foord also noted the United Way participated in a strategic planning session that will help the organization navigate the coming years. They set short-term and long-term goals, and updated policies on fundraising restrictions, including the blackout period, which has been reduced from Sept. 1-Oct. 30, instead of the previous Sept. 1-Nov. 30.
“This year we’ll continue to work hard and focus on priorities of fundraising, volunteer outreach, communication and improving relationships,” said Graham.
Two new student representatives have been added to the board. It’s been a number of years since the United Way had those student reps.
“Our youth and our students are a major part of our telethon each year,” said Foord.
Five board members were re-appointed to another three-year term: Graham, Dawn Densley, Wendy Gustafson, Doug McDavid and Mark Pettitt.
Each of the member agencies and community partners sent in a letter during the annual general meeting, thanking the United Way for the support during the past 12 months, and explaining the services they’re able to offer to the community, thanks in part to the United Way.
