The president of the Weyburn and District United Way says it's time to think about special events for the United Way's major fund-raising event of the year.

Communithon 2003, the United Way's 22nd annual fund-raiser, will be held Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24-25 at the Weyburn Legion Hall.

"The schools are gearing up and the community is starting to think about it," said United Way president Michelle Gilchrist. "It's really an incredible fund-raiser for a community of this size. It's an exciting time."

The event involves local talent, technical volunteers, entertainment, organizations and service clubs that provide food for the volunteers, she said.

"We focus on every age and the money goes right back into the community. People like that idea. You never know, the next person to need a service could be a member of your family," she said.

The United Way has met and exceeded its goals every year in recent years, said Gilchrist. The goal for this year is $110,003. In the 21 years of operation, the Communithon has raised more than $1.125 million for the benefit of member agencies.

Gilchrist said lots of local businesses have a payroll pledge and others fund-raise all year and make their donation at Communithon time.

The United Way has added one new name to the list of 17 agencies it supports.

The Weyburn Hospital Guild has been added to the Alzheimer Family Support Group, the Canadian Arthritis Society, the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Canadian Paraplegic Association, Canadian Red Cross, Canadian Mental Health Association, CNIB, Early Childhood Intervention Program, Saskatchewan Association for Community Living, Saskatchewan Abilities Council, Weyburn Special Care Home Auxiliary, Weyburn Care-A-Van Society, Weyburn Grief Support, Weyburn and Area Supportive Employment Services.

This year's co-chairs are Shelley Kievits and Corey Krafchuk.