ESTEVAN - Estevan came together in the spirit of volunteerism and community support on Wednesday.
The annual Day of Caring, organized by the United Way Estevan, saw community members completing various projects and providing support to those in need of help around their properties and with their beautification efforts.
"It went great," said Shelly Veroba with United Way Estevan. "It was a little windy, but the sun was shining, and the storm didn't roll in until the end of the day, so it went really, really well for us in order to get our projects completed."
This year's Day of Caring featured 47 projects completed by local volunteers.
"We had 163 volunteers this year," said Veroba, noting that the hours that people could commit to volunteering varied, but they were able to find suitable projects for everyone. "We were a bit lower on projects, but around the same number of volunteers. But some of our projects were bigger, so we were able to complete all of them."
The event had a range of participants, including businesses, community groups and individual volunteers. The volunteer and project base remains the same from year to year, Veroba noted, but a few new participants join every year.
This year, the Estevan Public Youth Centre asked for help organizing their property, and MNP volunteers not only did that but also donated a couch for the local youths.
Most United Way member agencies also had their staff and/or patrons participating and completing the projects. The Estevan Comprehensive School's SRC also sent in some "muscles", which Veroba said really helped complete a big project at the Souris Valley Theatre down at Woodlawn Regional Park.
"We had a few different businesses and groups step forward this year, in addition to our regular supporters who have helped us year to year."
The day also featured a successful barbecue halfway through at the Estevan Alliance Church, which had a good turnout from both project participants and volunteers.
"The barbecue was hugely successful this year," Veroba said. "We had pretty much everybody that participated. We encourage all of our projects to also come to the barbecue. So, a good majority of them came. Some people can't make it to the barbecue, because of their mobility, or the reason why they need help for a Day of Caring is a disability that prevents them from being able to come to things like the barbecue. That's understandable. But we did have a really good showing. And it was so good to see everybody come out, enjoy a meal and then get back out and start volunteering again."
The United Way Estevan also delivered 17 sunshine baskets to individuals who didn't need help around their property but wanted to have a friendly visit. Gift bags were filled with items such as crossword puzzles, tea, chocolates, lotion and information on 211.ca, a resource providing various types of assistance.
"We had a representative from 211.ca attend in the morning to meet our volunteers and give out information," explained Veroba. "We also put brochures and business cards in the sunshine baskets so people who are isolated in their own homes can reach out for assistance."
A couple of CNIB volunteers also came to Estevan from Regina to volunteer during the Day of Caring.
The event was a community-wide effort, showcasing the strong volunteer spirit of Estevan.
"A huge thank you to the community, the business community, the individuals who participated, and the people who put in the projects," Veroba said. "It just brings joy to people's hearts to be able to come into their yards and homes and see the need that's in our community with the people who do struggle to sometimes get these tasks completed.
"United Way Estevan just wants to say a huge thank you to everybody that participated in the Day of Caring this year," Veroba said.
