The CEO of the United Way of Saskatoon & Area says their priority during the pandemic and during their annual fundraising campaign is to extend the local love.
Sheri Benson encourages everyone to think about their community and how its people have been affected, with more people out of work and more living in poverty.
Since March, the United Way in partnership with the Saskatoon Community Foundation has been supporting agencies that are helping the most vulnerable by supplying PPE and hand sanitizer so they can keep their doors open safely.
The United Way’s annual two-month campaign is for businesses, organizations and individuals to come up with ways to creatively raise some funds which are then divvied out to almost 40 community agencies and programs.
In the past, there would be barbecues and themed parties but this year, Benson says, we need to stay united, but apart.
She expects most fundraisers will be virtual events.
The campaign continues through the end of the year, but donations are welcomed any time.

Last year, the annual campaign raised $4-million.
There is no goal this year.
Instead, it’s to get everyone participating, whether at home, at work or in the community.