"What a whirlwind the last few months have been."

That from United Way Winkler President Kim Nelson. She notes the organization has bounced back from nearly folding earlier this year because of a lack of volunteers, to forming a new board and donating to 20 non-profits after a shortened campaign.

"Major changes at the board level necessitated a smaller-scale campaign this year," Nelson says, adding the new board was formed too late in the year to fully launch the agency's usual fall fundraising campaign.

"Nonetheless, we were gratified to see so many people were still eager to support our efforts and the work of the non-profit organiozations who do so much good in our community."

Through a donation drop-off campaign, online giving and payroll deductions from local businesses, the Winkler United Way was able to distribute $10,000 to organizations that provide vital services and programs in the area. Organizations supported included Big Brothers Big Sisters, Eden Health Care Services, Gateway Resources, Salem Home, Pembina Valley Pregnancy Care Centre, The Bunker and the Winkler and District Food Cupboard.

Nelson notes the board is hard at work planning for the 2019-2020 campaign.