One of the 19 organizations supported by United Way is the South Central Cancer Resource, which provides transportation to appointment for patients in the Pembina Valley.

Norma Hildebrand, South Central Cancer Resource Clinical Coordinator explains without the United Way they wouldn't be able to serve as many clients. One of the clients was United Way Board Member David Wallace.

"I've ended up being on the receiving end of one of the organizations," Wallace says. "And you'll find someone pretty close to you that has been affected by these organizations, you don't have to look too far."

He knows first hand by supporting the United Way and organizations like SCCR is supporting your neighbours.

"I think that's the most wonderful thing we could do for each other," Wallace says. "When you get to give it's beautiful, when you receive, it's humbling. I'm humbled by the gifts that I received from SCCR and the United Way."

Winkler United Way kicked off their annual campaign this week with a goal of raising $125,000 for 19 local non-profits.

Board President Lori Penner explains after falling short of fundraising targets in the past, the 2015/16 year broke the $125,000 mark, and hopes to repeat the same feat this year.

"We're hoping to continue on the same path, if not bigger and better," Penner says, adding it's thanks to the amazing volunteer door-to-door canvassers.

"It's been overwhelming this year, people contacting us asking if they can volunteer, asking for more streets," she says, adding all the money raised stays in the community.

"It is raised to serve the people that live here," Penner says.

Business donations are also on the rise, along with awareness of United Way's work in the community.

"We're growing our payroll deduction, business donations, personal donations," Penner says. "The younger generation is recognizing the need for United Way, what it does for the community... it keeps community programming going where they could not continue."