The Yukon government will host the annual United Way breakfast fundraiser from 7 to 11 a.m. Sept. 11 at Shipyards Park instead of an indoor location.

“To ensure appropriate public health measures, this year’s event will provide a take-away breakfast with drive-through and walk-in options,” the governmenet said Thursday in a statement.

Outdoor seating will be available.

“This year’s theme is show your local love, which resonates as Yukoners are encouraged to respect and protect each other, support local and follow the Safe 6,” the government said.

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

Last year’s United Way Breakfast raised $25,676 for Yukon charities and community groups through ticket sales, donations and contributions to the silent auction.

The government has partnered with the Yukon Chef Collective to create a breakfast package for participants that will include a hot item.

Tickets will cost $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for kids 12 years old and younger. Admission for kids under two years old is free.

Members of the public can also order ahead for group breakfasts for delivery to a workplace or donate a breakfast to someone in need. They can get their tickets in advance at unitedwayyukon.ca.

Each year, a silent auction helps to raise donations at the breakfast. This year’s auction will take place online.

Yukoners will be able to bid on item baskets over several days, starting on the morning of the breakfast. Details will be posted on the United Way Yukon website.

“The United Way Yukon breakfast marks the start of our annual fall fundraising campaign,” said David Whiteside, United Way Yukon’s president.

“Working together, Yukoners can help people receive the support they need to live healthy and productive lives with the funds raised.

“We thank the Government of Yukon team for organizing this wonderful fundraising event, especially given the challenges arising from the ongoing pandemic response. This is what #LocalLove looks like!”

The chef collective is a non-profit foundation, comprising Whitehorse-based chefs who have raised donations from Yukoners and now receive funding from the Food Bank Society of Whitehorse to provide healthy, nourishing meals to Whitehorse and its surrounding communities. Some members were pictured on the front page of Wednesday’s Star.

“Yukon Chef Collective is happy and proud to work with the United Way,” said Chris Irving, a chef with the collective.

“They share a mutual purpose of intention to improve lives through the power of community; helping to facilitate individuals and their families to receive the nourishment they need to live their healthy and productive lives.”

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

The Department of Tourism and Culture is the lead for this year’s breakfast with support from next year’s lead, the Department of Environment.

Payment options will be available at the park on the morning of the breakfast. However, buying tickets in advance is strongly encouraged to help support easy flow of traffic and physical distancing.

Since 1994, the United Way Yukon has raised almost $3 million to assist local charities through a variety of fundraising activities.

United Way Yukon’s mission is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action.

“I would like to encourage everyone to come out and support the United Way Breakfast on September 11,” said Tourism and Culture Minister Jeanie Dendys.

“Many thanks to United Way for all the work they do to support our communities and to the Yukon Chef Collective for partnering with us this year – the event may look a little different, but the collaboration for a good cause is still going strong.

“Come show your local love.”