The United Way Estevan is still looking for some talented people to perform for its upcoming telethon on Oct. 16 and 17.

The telethon starts at 8 a.m. on Oct. 16 and continues all the way to 5 p.m. on the 17th. And while they have many of the slots filled, there are still some spots remaining.

Travis Frank, who is the chairperson of the entertainment committee, said it has been interesting trying to fill the schedule with so many restrictions in place due to COVID-19.

“We are certainly doing a few different things, including some pre-recorded performances, and making sure that whatever is live and in person is following proper social distancing protocols and things like that,” said Frank.

Groups of up to six people can perform live. If there is more than six, they had to send in a video.

Local praise band The Way has been booked as the closing act. Frank said they have performed at the telethon many times in the past, and are always a great, energetic band.

They have many of the traditional favourites, and some old favourites who now reside outside of the city sent in videos.

About half of the schools will be part of the show this year. They won’t be able to sing, but they have come up with different ways of entertaining people.

“There is lots of great, different entertainment,” said Frank. “We’re going to see some things we haven’t seen before, and we’re still going to get to see the kids smiling faces, and them trying to tell us their names, which is what we always love to see and puts a smile on our face every year,” said Frank.

Without the entertainment, there wouldn’t be a telethon. When there are 33 hours to fill, it can be a challenge, but the talented singers, dancers, instrumentalists and others get people excited for the broadcast.

People can watch the telethon on Access Communications or by visiting www.unitedwayestevan.com.

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The United Way Estevan is also accepting funding applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) Round 2 until Oct. 30. The fund continues to provide financial support to charities and other qualified recipients adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government of Canada has released this balance of funding for ECSF and it is being administered in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.

United Way Estevan supports this important additional investment of $12,061 into local communities.

“Charities and non-profit organizations are at the heart of our communities, helping the most vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 crisis. The Government of Canada is pleased to support these organizations through the Emergency Community Support Fund so that they can continue their invaluable work,” said Ahmed Hussen, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.

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