The Yukon government will host the annual United Way Breakfast fundraiser Oct. 6 at the Sternwheeler Hotel & Conference Centre.

Food will be served from 7 to 10:30 a.m.

This year’s theme, “Giving and Gratitude”, invites Yukoners to reflect on the value of supporting charitable events and the benefit it has for our community.

All funds raised from ticket sales, cash donations and the online silent auction will go to United Way Yukon to support local charities and community organizations across the territory.

“Yukoners will enjoy a delicious breakfast with a choice of menu options,” the government said Friday afternoon

Participants can dine-in for the full experience of scrambled eggs, buttermilk pancakes, pork sausages and red skin breakfast potatoes, along with a selection of hot and cold beverages.

For those opting for the drive-thru, an egg, bacon and cheese burrito, hot or cold beverage and a made-in-house muffin will be provided.

Gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan options will also be available.

Both the dine-in and drive-thru experience will feature celebrity servers.

The goal is to exceed fundraising efforts from past years for the benefit of community organizations across the Yukon.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for kids 12 and under.

The “donate a breakfast” ticket option will donate funds directly to local groups through the United Way Yukon’s Community Investment Fund, which supports local charities and community organizations to support people in need.

Yukoners are encouraged to purchase their tickets online at https://unitedwayyukon.ca

If the event is not sold out, tickets can also be purchased in person at the hotel door on the day of the breakfast.

A silent auction will be held the week prior to the event. It will take place online at https://unitedwayyukon.ca. Some items may be viewed in person at the event.

Yukoners will be able to bid on items from 7:30 a.m. Sept. 29 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 6.

The government organizes, sponsors, and provides staff volunteers to run the event in partnership with local businesses, media and other sponsors.

“Yukoners have always cherished the values of charity and community-mindedness, and the annual United Way Breakfast embodies these principles,” said Premier Ranj Pillai.

“This year’s theme, ‘Giving and Gratitude’, reminds us of the immense impact we can create by supporting charitable events and local organizations.

“Together, with our partners, we aim to surpass our past fundraising efforts, ensuring that these vital resources continue to benefit communities across the Yukon.”

For almost 30 years, said United Way Yukon president David Whiteside, “United Way Yukon has helped local charities and community organizations by supporting them financially.

“United Way Yukon could not do this without the sustained support of all Yukoners. Yukon government employees have been working on our behalf since 1995, by organizing the annual United Way Breakfast and silent auction that marks the beginning of our fall fundraising campaign.

“We are constantly impressed by the generosity of all Yukoners not just during our fall campaign, but throughout the year,” Whiteside added.

“It is only because of your support and generous donations that we can continue to do this important work with local organizations, charities, and Yukon First Nations, such as the Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre, the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition and the Kluane First Nation, among so many others.”

Those seeking assistance with ticket purchases by phone or in-person can call or text United Way Yukon at 667-2003.

The 2022 United Way Breakfast raised just over $21,000 for charities and community groups through ticket sales, donations and generous contributions to the silent auction.

Since 1995, the United Way Yukon has raised almost $3 million, through a variety of fundraising activities, to assist local charities and community organizations.

The organization’s mission is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action.

“I encourage all Yukoners to join us on Friday, October 6 to support the United Way Breakfast, a fundraising event hosted by the Government of Yukon,” said Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee.

“This family-friendly gathering is an opportunity to come together for a great cause while enjoying good food with our friends and neighbours.

“Our government is grateful for the tireless efforts of United Way Yukon, which supports a number of charities, non-government organizations and Yukon First Nations every year.”