PREECEVILLE — The Preeceville Hospital’s annual bed push for TeleMiracle raised $3,954.10.
Despite only having two very dedicated volunteers, Sharon Draper and Sandra Johnson, the bed push went ahead on Feb. 15, with members canvassing the Town of Preeceville prior to setting out along the highway to Sturgis.
The bed push began in 1986 and throughout the years the endeavour has raised over $215,000. The first year that it was hosted, the bed push faced some challenges with the small wheels on the original bed. The small wheels would get caught in the railroad tracks and would be very difficult to get out.
“We have evolved and made necessary adjustments and continue to use the same bed today,” said a previous organizer.
“This year, due to a small volunteer group, we had the bed pulled behind a truck. We want to recognize all the people who make this yearly event possible, including the individuals who walked behind the bed from Preeceville to Sturgis and to those who are helping behind the scenes,” said Sharon Draper, organizer.
“Participants left the hospital grounds on Feb. 15, determined to continue the annual tradition of the bed push,” she said. They were escorted by the Sturgis and District fire rescue unit and followed by the Sturgis fire truck. The flashing lights and sirens on the vehicles and signalled to motorists that the bed push was in progress. After canvassing in Preeceville, the entourage made its way along the highway to Sturgis where stopping motorist gave generously.
“We would like to thank everyone who were very generous in giving donations. I would also like to remind people on the highway to slow down when they see an emergency vehicle,” Draper said.
Volunteers from the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department drove the fire and rescue units that escorted the volunteers with members Trevor Olson, Daniel Wasylenchuk and Ryan Yacyshyn all driving a vehicle.
The group had collected donations at the hospital before they canvassed in the town of Preeceville and along the highway to Sturgis from passing motorists.
The Sturgis Kinsmen and Kinettes Mini-Miracle made its presentation to TeleMiracle in Regina that included the total amount raised in the Preeceville Hospital bed push.
“We couldn’t do this event year after year without the continued support of the Preeceville Hospital, Lions Hostel staff and families, friends and most important of all, the support and generosity of the community,” Draper said. “The generosity of people and how it all comes together amazes me every year.”
