The Winkler United Way recently disbursed over $125,000 to a number of local non-profits.

Board President Lori Penner explains they were excited to reach their goal after coming close the last few years.

"I want to thank the community for their contributions," Penner says. "That's where all the money comes from; individual people and businesses in our community... allowing us to help these organizations keep going."

The Bunker in Winkler relies on donations for a quarter of their annual budget.

"So we get to spend a little bit more time doing what we do, hanging out with kids and connecting with them," Executive Director Kevin Hildebrand explains, instead of using volunteers' time and energy on fundraisers.

He notes they've felt the pinch of fewer donations in the last six months. With zero funding from the government, the situation pushed Hildebrand to put out a call on social media.

"And the community has been great," he says "Some people had never realized we were in a situation like that, they just assumed we had lots of support from government... we're reliant on the community of Winkler... and we love it, because that's why we're a part of this community."

In total, 18 local non-profit organizations received funding including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Morden and Winkler, Eden, Gateway Resources, Pembina Valley Pregnancy Care Centre, the Winkler Food Cupboard, Genesis House, The Winkler Senior Centre and the Winkler Bible Camp.

Bunker Executive Director Kevin Hildebrand