The Morden and Winkler United Way organizations are looking more seriously at the prospect of amalgamation.

"We want to work together and continue to promote the Pembina Valley," Winkler United Way President Kim Nelson says.

"It only makes to pool our resources and be more efficient to cover a larger area," Alex Fedorchuk says, adding they're considering expanding their collective reach in southern Manitoba.

The two organizations held a joint kick-off to their respective fundraising campaigns on Thursday with a $2,500 boost, each, from Access Credit Union.

Winkler Mayor Martin Harder notes the prospect of a future amalgamation makes sense, given "poverty is not restricted to one area," adding both United Way boards support non-profits that operate regionally.

"There's lots of overlap," he says.

ACU's Chris Hildebrand agrees, noting both support many of the same organizations.

"They have such a longstanding tradition of giving back to all the communities we serve that we really believe in these organizations," she says.

ACU has also partnered with both the Morden and Winkler United Way to accept donations. Hildebrand says residents can stop by any credit union branch and indicate they'd like to make a donation to their local United Way.

Winkler donors can also stop by the manned donation tables at the Winkler Flyers home game on Sept. 13, the Winkler Senior Centre Waffle Breakfast on Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon, or the Winkler Co-op grocery store from 1-9 p.m. on Sept. 20 and Sept. 27. Donations can also be dropped off anytime this fall at the Winkler Co-op grocery store, the Winkler Senior Centre, Gateway Resources, and at the City of Winkler offices in City Hall. Online donations can be made at unitedwaywinkler.com. Cheques can be mailed to Winkler and District United Way, PO Box 1528, Winkler, MB, R6W 4B4.

Morden residents and businesses will be receiving a brochure in the mail in the coming weeks outlining how they can support the cause. A number of local businesses are also involved through the United Way’s payroll deduction program. Online donations can be made at unitedwaymorden.com. Cheques can be mailed to United Way of Morden and District, P.O. Box 758, Morden, MB, R6M 1A7.

Applications for United Way funding are available on both agencies’ websites. Deadline for application is Oct. 31, 2019.