ESTEVAN - The United Way Estevan has started accepting applications for projects to be completed during its upcoming Day of Caring on May 29.
Speaking at the United Way's annual general meeting on March 27, committee co-chairs Shelly Veroba and Wendy Gustafson promoted the importance of the day.
Gustafson described the Day of Caring as "probably one of the best days ever, besides our telethon", which is held in October. She went on to say the Day of Caring is a great time to participate in the community.
"It's an all-day project where we go into the community, and we help those that have projects or things that they're not able to do on their own," said Gustafson. "So, we need a lot of volunteers, and we also need people's names who need projects done.
"So, it takes a lot of involvement, but it's been extremely successful. We've had lots of fun, we've helped a lot of people, and what we find, at the end of the day, those of you that have worked and have helped others, it's almost more gratifying for those that have been involved doing the work than the ones that receive it, but it's a win-win all around."
Last year there were nearly 150 volunteers and 60 projects completed for individuals and organizations. Some of the tasks can be completed in the morning or the afternoon, and others will require work throughout the day.
Potential projects include window washing, grass cutting, gardening and planting, indoor and outdoor cleaning, painting and more.
Veroba marvelled at the number of projects that happen and how companies allow their employees to spend the day volunteering.
Also, there are a lot people in the community who don't have a lot of social contact, so Veroba said they have created sunshine baskets to be distributed to local residents.
"So, if you know that person who doesn't really need anything but they just need a friendly volunteer to come and see them, we will send those people out for the Day of Caring," said Veroba.
Sometimes an applicant will submit a project that would be too much for the Day of Caring volunteers, and the United Way will inform them, but the United Way will offer to complete some of the work.
May 15 is the deadline to volunteer or submit a project for the Day of Caring, so that the United Way has time to assign volunteers for all the work.
