A number of organizations in the area received funds from the United Way Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the group's annual allocation.

Two cheques were presented in Winkler, one to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba (ASM), and the other to Eden Mental Health Services.

Both organizations provide services to a massive area, and commented that donations were greatly appreciated.

Big Brothers Big Sisters' Kerri Bennett

"There are a lot of services that aren't covered by the region," said Irma Klassen, volunteer coordinator with Eden.

"Our program would not run without the donations from [them]," she added.

Kathy Fehr south central regional coordinator with the ASM said the Altona/Gretna United Way has been a "huge support". The money will be used toward educating people about Alzheimer's, and continuing to fund research for a cure.

"People seem to be [diagnosed] younger and younger all the time," said Fehr. "It would be so much nicer if we had a cure for this disease so these people didn't have to go through all this."

Kathy Fehr, south central regional coordinator (right)

Eden Mental Health Services and the ASM both received $3,500.

Also receiving $3,500 is Blue Sky Opportunities in Altona.

General Manager Richard Neufeld says the money will go into the organization's general fund to help offset the cost of facility repairs and maintenance, capital costs and even to supplement wages.

He explains these grants are extremely important to organizations like Blue Sky Opportunities.

"As an entity that's funded provincially, we're going on six years without having a cost of living increase of any kind, and so we're becoming more and more reliant on funding from places like United Way and doing our own fundraising."

Neufeld encourages people to continue donating to organizations like the United Way, which supports about sixteen organizations in the area.

Lyle Dunsmore with Blue Sky Opportunities General Manager Richard Neufeld

Also receiving a grant through the Altona/Gretna District United Way is Big Brother Big Sisters Altona satellite office.

Spokesperson Kerri Bennett says the $500 will be used to grow the program, particularly in-school mentorship.

"The premise...is to set children up with a mentor, those that need them, within the community. Right now our focus has been in-school mentoring, and so that requires an hour of time per week that an adult spends with a child within the school setting, giving the child some one-on-one attention that's just for them."

She adds this program is going very well, with positive feedback coming from both the volunteers and school officials. "The volunteers are really enjoying their time."

Bennett notes more volunteers are always welcome. "There's always children that can use a mentor but where we're lacking is the adults to match them up with."

In total, Altona/District United Way doled out $46,000 this year.