TELEMIRACLE READY TO ROLL
One of Saskatchewan’s great traditions unveiled plans on Thursday for its 44th edition. Here are 5 things to know about the fundraising event, which runs March 7-8 at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina.
1.
The national cast members include familiar names such as Beverly Mahood and Brad Johner (each of whom has been appearing at Telemiracle for more than two decades), Jill Straker and brother Jeffery Straker (seven years for each as hosts), Andrea Menard and Chris Henderson. Other members of the national cast include returnees Big Daddy Tazz, Lisa Moen and Mac Shepherd, as well as first-timers Back of the Bus, Toque and The Good Brothers.
2.
All proceeds from the 20hour telethon — which begins March 7 at 9 p.m. and goes off-air on March 8 at 5 p.m. — stay in the province and are granted through the Kinsmen Foundation for specialized medical and mobility equipment, as well as assistance with medical travel. The Kinsmen Foundation this year expects to receive more than 1,000 applications for assistance.
“Every year, Saskatchewan gives to Telemiracle from its heart and this year we need Saskatchewan’s help more than ever,” said Telemiracle 44 chair Jesse Shkuratoff.
3.
Last year’s Telemiracle raised $5,619,214 — the third-highest total in its history behind the $7,151,256 in 2018 and $5,906,229 in 2012. Overall, Telemiracle in its 43 years has raised nearly $170 million. In its first year (1977), it generated $1,214,210. Other benchmarks came in 1983 ($2,010,120 raised), 2001 ($3,515,611 raised), 2007 ($5,604,682 raised), and then the record in 2018 of more than $7.1 million.
4.
The event will feature around 80 performances by Saskatchewan talent. Nutrien will match all money, up to $150,000, raised by the Saskatchewan performers.
5.
In addition to performances during the television broadcast, Countdown to Telemiracle will be streamed live on Youtube starting March 7 at 6:15 p.m. The telethon broadcast airs on CTV across the province.