The early morning thunderclouds looming over Estevan June 4 didn't stop the multitude of volunteers from helping out with United Way's Day of Caring event.
Fifty-nine volunteers - 20 of them students, the rest a combination of residents and members from local businesses - spread themselves out across the city to plant flowers, cut grass, wash windows, and put smiles on faces.
"Every year it gets bigger, more and more volunteers come out to help each time," said Estevan United Way President Doug McDavid, who was cleaning eaves troughs in the morning.
A total of 25 projects were completed, from yard work at nursing homes, to larger jobs at the hospital and Creighton Lodge. Sun Valley Land, Affinity Credit Union, and Enbridge Pipelines were a few of the businesses that volunteered to help.
Judy Pratt, co-manager of Creighton Lodge, greatly appreciated the help Enbridge provided around the building.
"Day of Caring has become so important to us," she said, while planting some flowers near the entrance of the lodge. "Doing this ourselves would be overwhelming, the yard is humongous. We wouldn't be able to keep up."
Alongside the help received from the Day of Caring event, Pratt said she's very pleased Creighton Lodge is a United Way member, adding the funding they receive has greatly helped them expand their services.
"United Way is a lifesaver for us," she said.
Nine-year-old Kris Bjarnason, was one of the several young faces lending a helping hand. When asked why he decided to take part in Day of Caring, he was quick to say it was an easy decision.
"It feels good doing work for someone who needs help," he explained.
