YORKTON – Telemiracle 47 took place over the weekend of Feb. 24-26 and raised a total of $5,519,229 with $46,569.45 in donations coming from the Yorkton Kinsmen Club.
"We start [fundraising] about a month before TeleMiracle starts – this year TeleMiracle was a little bit earlier...normally it's the first weekend in March," said Chad Grodzinski, Telemiracle Chair for the Yorkton Kinsmen Club, in an interview with Yorkton This Week.
Despite having less time than usual to raise funds, Grodzinski said the community really came together for the cause.
"What we've had success with is getting a lot of support from the community in collecting pledges and donations – so a big part of it is the schools," said Grodzinski.
"We approached the schools and they get a package from TeleMiracle's office with a few little gifts and prizes and they can choose to use those or come up with ideas on their own of how to raise money," said Grodzinksi, adding, "this year the schools raised just over $10,000 combined."
"Sacred Heart raised just over $5,300 of that," said Grodzinski, "they really went all out."
Grodzinksi said that the club also canvassed local businesses and $14,000 was raised through their efforts.
"We're really happy with the support from businesses and people that give to TeleMiracle every year in Yorkton – we're very happy with the amount we got."
"Between us and the Kinettes we're one of the clubs that brings in the biggest donations every year to Telemiracle – so we're really proud of that and really proud of Yorkton for supporting us in that way," said Grodzinski.
"Thanks to Yorkton and the surrounding area for their support for Telemircale this year."
The Yorkton Kinsmen and Kinnette clubs had 31 people volunteering at the Saskatoon event which featured 80 Saskatchewan performers.
"All TeleMiracle proceeds stay in Saskatchewan and are granted through the Kinsmen Foundation for specialized medical and mobility equipment, assistance with medical travel, and new and innovative health care equipment. The Foundation typically receives over 1,000 applications for assistance annually," read a press release from the organization.
