In 2017 almost 30 local charities and agencies were aided by the Morden and District United Way.

With the beginning of their 2018 campaign to begin in the near future, letters will be sent out to individuals and businesses with the goal of reaching $90,000.

With the success of their Combine Pull at the Morden Corn and Apple festival, and generous donations, Morden and District United Way President Alex Fedorchuk says they are optimistic they will be able to assist the same amount of organizations this year.

The Combine Pull was put together as a unique event for the United Way's 50th anniversary.

Featuring a Calcutta, people would buy a team, with 50 percent of the winnings going towards the buyer of the winning team and 50 towards the United Way.

The winning buyer won $1,000 using half to buy pizza for the Morden Fire Department which was the winning team.

Fedorchuk says almost every nickel raised from fundraisers like the Combine Pull and donations goes to agencies and charities, and events like ‘Coats For Kids’.

"One of our best events every year is ‘Coats For Kids’. We collect slightly used winter clothing; boots, parkas, snow-pants, and so on. Last year we handed out over 250 pieces of winter clothing. A lot of our new Canadian’s took advantage of that, and we'll be doing it again this year."

Fedorchuck also notes now is the time for local charities and agencies to apply for funding with applications closing at the end of October.

Applications for funding can be found on unitedwaymorden.com.