The 46th edition of the annual telethon, organized by the Kinsmen, Kinettes, and Kin Clubs of Saskatchewan, kicks off in Regina on Saturday, March 5 at 6:15 p.m.
The Kinsmen Foundation Telethon began in Saskatchewan in 1977 after requests for assistance from Saskatchewanians exceeded the organization’s funds.
That first telethon raised over $1 million. The all-time record was achieved in 2018 with over $7 million raised. Since 1977, the event has raised over $145 million in total.
The Kinsmen Foundation uses its funds to assist Saskatchewan residents with special needs and mobility equipment. They also help with transportation, meals, and accommodation for patients travelling to receive organ transplants and other medical services.
Examples of special needs and mobility equipment include walkers, communication devices, in-home mobility aids such as lift chairs and power chairs, and vehicle conversions.
TeleMiracle Week began on Saturday, Feb. 27 and will culminate Saturday, March 5 when the telethon itself starts. Funds are raised throughout the year for TeleMiracle, including their 50/50 raffle, which closes on Wednesday, March 2.
At the time of writing, the 50/50 draw was up to $177,000.
“I encourage everyone to prepare this week to fundraise and ‘ring those phones’ March 5 and 6,” said Don McMorris, the minister responsible for the provincial capital commission. “Ask your family, friends, and neighbours to watch telethon and donate to TeleMiracle.”
This year’s TeleMiracle slogan is “Rooted in Saskatchewan.”
“TeleMiracle is ‘Rooted in Saskatchewan’ and has touched people across this province,” said Steve Kirwan, TeleMiracle 46 chair. “Saskatchewan people continue to recognize the needs of their neighbours by supporting TeleMiracle. We are grateful for the honour of having TeleMiracle Week declared in Saskatchewan, which helps raise awareness in advance of this important telethon.”
TeleMiracle Week has been officially recognized by the province since 2006 by an official Act of provincial legislation.
The Countdown to TeleMiracle! livestream will air on TeleMiracle.com starting at 6:15 p.m. on March 5.
At 9:00 p.m., the main 20-hour broadcast will begin on CTV. It will run until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 6. The main broadcast will also be available to watch on the TeleMiracle website.
The broadcast will feature a variety of Saskatchewan talent, including dancers, singers, bands, and acrobatic acts.
