The United Way of Estevan reflected on another record-setting year during their annual general meeting March 26.

A total of $341,767 was donated to the organization in 2009. Included in that amount was $312,603.91 from the United Way’s annual telethon in October. Both numbers are all-time highs.

“That's something that we should be very happy about,” said past-president James Lainton.

New president James Trobert said his time on the board has allowed him to observe the impact that the United Way has had on the community through the United Way’s community partners.

“Over the last few years, and looking forward, we as a board have embarked on a new journey,” said Trobert. “Though our telethon has been and always will be the centrepiece of United Way fundraising in Estevan, this board has made a lasting effort to ensure that other needs in the community are met.”

Trobert said the board wants to ensure that money donated to the United Way during the telethon will be directed to where the funds will have the most impact, and meet the greatest needs.

“This has become ever more pressing given the uncertain nature of today's economy, the reduction of government grants and tax dollars to member agencies and other charities, and the increased need for services in an increasingly demanding society,” Trobert said.

The United Way now has a Day of Caring in the spring, which will be held on May 19. United Way board members and volunteers spend one day helping out with a wide variety of projects in the community.

Their 34th annual telethon will be on October 15 and 16. The United Way of Estevan has been the first in Canada to reach its goal in 32 of 33 editions of the telethon.

Trobert and Lainton paid tribute to the support of the community, the efforts of the community partners and the commitment of the board of directors.

The upcoming year holds a lot of promise, Lainton said.

Representatives from most of the community partners attended the meeting. They paid tribute to the United Way, and explained the impact that the United Way’s funding has had on their organizations.