The Lloydminster United Way donated $6,000 to the Lakeland College Aquatic Centre in Vermilion on August 26. The funds will be used as a one-time only benefit for youth swimming lessons including two children per family up to 18 years old. Specifications will be made to determine exactly how the funds will be distributed. “Everything helps now a days and we are thrilled that they are offering this! I can’t believe that someone just wanted to give us funds; I wanted to ask, ‘What’s the catch?’ We will still be determining just how they will be best distributed,” said Jackie Johnson, Aquatic Supervisor. Overall, many children in the area including a large number of students will benefit from this donation. In addition, United Way recently donated initiating a book program at two Kindergarten classes in Lloydminster. The Lloydminster United Way has been fundraising to support programs and services in the area since 1961. Their current beneficiary programs which receive 50 per cent of their funds include the Lloydminster Rescue Squad, the Lloydminster and Area Brain Injury Society, Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services, and The Olive Tree. “These services are used here in Vermilion as well. It’s getting harder and harder; the economy is tough and charities are closing their doors. We try and spread the funds to different projects each year,” said Brian Hanterman, Lloydminster United Way President and Campaign chair.” To donate you can call 780-875-3743 or for more information you can visit http://www.lloydminster.unitedway.ca/.