The United Way Estevan's 43rd annual Telethon has surpassed its goal with a little less than three hours to go in the 33-hour broadcast.
A donation from SaskPower employees, matched by the corporation, pushed the telethon past its goal of $340,000. The amount of the donation was more than $111,000.
Moments after the goal was met, local United Way president Becca Foord called United Way Canada chief executive officers Dan Clement with the exciting news. He congratulated the local board, and the community as a whole, on the accomplishment.
The donation pushed the telethon above the $352,000 mark. The total, as of about 2:20 p.m., was $357,866.
The fundraiser was at about $158,000 as of 1:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. Then a donation worth more than $81,000 came in from the coal mines, as it was raised by the members of the United Mine Workers of America that was matched by Westmoreland Mining LLC.
The donation from the mines was significant for another reason, as it pushed the United Way Estevan past the $9 million mark in fundraising since the telethon's inception in 1977. That figure includes donations that were not part of the telethon.
The telethon will wrap up at 5 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
Proceeds from the Telethon will be directed to the United Way's 15 member agencies and its community partners.
The pledge line is 306-340-4625. There are also some items still available through the bid table. To make a bid, call 306-340-4629.
The telethon is taking place at the Royal Canadian Legion's Estevan branch. It can be watched on Access Channel 7, or at www.unitedwayestevan.com.
The Mercury will have more details as they become available.
