ESTEVAN – The United Way Estevan 47th annual Telethon has raised more than $240,000 as it continues to work towards its goal of $343,064.

As of 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon, the 33-hour broadcast had raised $241,109 and the donations continue to roll in. Proceeds of the telethon will be directed towards the United Way’s 11 member agencies and six community impact projects.

The telethon was sitting at more than $160,000 just before 2 p.m. But then the United Mine Workers of America Local 7606 and Westmoreland Mining LLC came in with their annual support. They donated $84,913.87. 

The employees raised money through voluntary payroll deductions and draws. The company then provided a matching grant. 

The telethon went on the air at 8 a.m. on Friday morning and has been going ever since. Local school students performed during the opening hours of the broadcast, bringing a large crowd. Then people from the community had their turn. An exercise class, a coffee-painting class, games, singers and dancers were all part of the entertainment.

The United Way’s member agencies and community impact projects have been explaining what they do with the money that is raised.

In a poignant moment, there was a tribute to John Deadlock, who passed away in September. Deadlock was a fixture for most of the United Way’s history, serving as a host throughout the broadcast during the telethon’s early years. He also served in a number of different capacities, and remained an avid supporter of the telethon after moving to Hanna, Alta.

Students from the Estevan Comprehensive School handled various responsibilities during the ECS takeover from midnight to 6 a.m. on Saturday.

Entertainment has been happening throughout Saturday morning.

Volunteers have been helping out in a variety of capacities. 

The event is happening at the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. It can be watched online via Access Now or www.unitedwayestevan.com.

People can make a pledge by dropping by the legion, calling 306-340-4625, visiting the website or using etransfer@unitedwayestevan.com.

The telethon also has 93 hand-crafted bid items for a silent auction. To bid on them, please call 306-340-4629 or visit the United Way Estevan bid items Facebook page. The Heart and Hands Quilting Guild has supplied a quilt for a raffle.

This year’s theme is Be Part of the Energy. 

SASKTODAY.ca will have updates. Next week’s edition of the Mercury will have full coverage on this event.