The week-long window will be opening wider for the Swift Current United Way's "Day of Caring" intiative.

Businesses who sign up for the initiative will now have the option to volunteer their time at various times throughout the year to help local non-profits complete projects.

Those businesses that volunteer will have the benefit of what the United Way is calling "flex-commitment" - they can choose the project that appeals to their group and schedules.

Upon meeting the requirement of assigning a 'team captain' for the registered business, that individual will receive a monthly "Day of Caring" project list, and work to facilitate volunteers as needed.

Stacey Schwartz, Executive Director of the Swift Current United Way, shares what the switch to the availability of year-round events will bring, when compared to the previous one-week event.

"It allows more flexibility, a greater ability to adapt to what the actual community needs are, and then be able to offer supports and volunteers at that time, while also really promoting volunteerism in our community," she said. "It just helps show the importance and the need of building relationships, and instills that importance of giving our time back to help others."

Moving forward for the organization as well, all volunteers must be Safe Places Certified. In partnering with the City of Swift Current, the United Way will be able to assist businesses in receiving group training ahead of volunteering commitments.

Businesses looking to get involved can visit the Swift Current United Way's webpage for the initiative to fill out a team registration form. The deadline to register is September 29th. Once completed, forms can be sent to Schwartz at unitedway@sasktel.net.The organization's Executive Director says anyone with questions or needing more information can also contact her at the same email.