This weekend is Telemiracle. The annual telethon raises much-needed funds for families across the province. The event itself has become synonymous with Saskatchewan and the spirit of giving.
This week, we present five tidbits about Telemiracle 44.
History
Telemiracle first hit the airwaves in 1977. Since then, over $130 million has been raised to assist Saskatchewan residents. According to Telemiracle’s website, that represents more money per capita than any other telethon in the world.
The very first year brought in $1.2 million in donations. The first time the total eclipsed $2 million was at Telemiracle 7 in 1983. The total reached $3 million at Telemiracle 25 in 2001. The highest amount raised to date is $7,151,256 million, which was the final total of Telemiracle 42 in 2018. Last year brought in over $5.6 million in funds.
The Cast
Of course, Telemiracle has its “national cast” that handles the hosting duties, while also providing the entertainment. This year’s cast includes several old favourites and a few newcomers.
Returning this year will be Andrea Menard, Beverley Mahood, Chris Henderson, Brad Johner and the Johner Boys, along with Jill and Jeffrey Straker.
New this year will be the bands Back of the Bus and Canadian Country Music Hall of Famers Good Brothers.
Also appearing for the first time this year will be Toque, the band featuring Moose Jaw’s Cory Churko.
In the past, Telemiracle has had appearances from The Arrogant Worms, Burton Cummings, Doc Walker, The Irish Rovers, Fred Penner, Rita MacNeil, The Stampeders, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Alan Thicke, among others.
Local Talent
Aside from the big name hosts, Telemiracle is also known as a showcase for Saskatchewan talent.
This year you can catch several local performers, including Madison Veroba, Jessica Kreutzer, Janet Hogemann, and Abbegayle Day. Assiniboia’s Hank Fabulous and Jordan Engstrom will also perform.
The full list of performers is available online.
An Impressive Production
Telemiracle is always hosted in either Regina or Saskatoon, generally alternating between the two sites. This year, Telemiracle will be broadcast from the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina. Guests are welcome to attend the show for free and watch live. Be sure to bring your enthusiasm and maybe a few signs of support!
Of course, it takes hundreds of volunteers to ensure the show goes smoothly. That includes people answering phones and staffing the tote board, to assisting with the production itself. This massive effort would not be possible without the work of Kinsmen clubs from across the province.
Donations
Want to donate during the show but can’t get through on the phone? You can always donate online. In fact, you can do this before Telemiracle hits the airwaves. If you are donating over $1,000, you are asked to phone the office at 1-877-777-8979, extension 3.
Don’t forget — when you donate $144 or more you are eligible to receive this year’s Telemiracle Teddy.
All of the money raised during Telemiracle will remain in Saskatchewan.
The funds help individuals, groups, or facilities with the cost of equipment or travel for medical treatments. Applications are reviewed by the Kinsmen Foundation Board of Directors. There are several deadlines throughout the year to submit applications. The next deadline is March 20. For more information on applications call 306-244-6400, extension 1.
Telemiracle will kick off at 6:15 p.m. on Saturday with a “Countdown to Telemiracle” show streamed live on Telemiracle’s YouTube Channel. At 9 p.m. the live television broadcast will begin on CTV stations across Saskatchewan. The telethon will air around the clock until it concludes at 5 p.m., Sunday, March 8.
Be sure to tune in this weekend and “Ring those phones!”
