TeleMiracle announced the details of how TeleMiracle 45 will be presented during a pandemic.
The charity confirmed this annual Saskatchewan tradition will carry on with a 20-hour telethon on Feb. 27-28, 2021, from Prairieland Park in Saskatoon.
“Our theme and logo chosen for this year was the family bubble gathered in front of the TV to watch the telethon,” said TeleMiracle 45 chair Brian Angstadt. “We didn’t know it was going to predict the future. We invite everyone in Saskatchewan to gather with their bubble in front of the TV or computer to watch TeleMiracle 45 in February.”
Changes were made to the TeleMiracle format and the Saskatchewan Health Authority was consulted throughout the planning process to ensure all COVID-19 public safety guidelines are followed. These include:
- No live audience;
- All performances will be pre-recorded;
- Cameos and special appearances live via remote video or pre-recorded; and
- Cast and volunteers at the venue will follow physical distancing rules, practise good hygiene and wear masks when not on-camera.
Many traditional TeleMiracle elements will remain part of the telethon. Donors can still “Ring Those Phones” and their pledge calls will be answered by volunteer operators seated at physically distanced phone stations. Saskatchewan talent remains a key part of TeleMiracle, so these performers will be showcased with pre-recorded videos. Viewers can expect to see special appearances by many TeleMiracle friends, both old and new.
The excitement begins on Feb. 27 at 6:15 p.m. with Countdown to TeleMiracle live streamed at www.telemiracle.com. The live broadcast begins at 9 p.m. across the CTV Saskatchewan network (and at www.telemiracle.com), concluding on Feb. 28 at 5 p.m.
The TeleMiracle national cast will act as hosts to guide viewers through this new experience.
All cast members, including local favourites Brad Johner and Chris Henderson, are veterans of past TeleMiracle telethons. Other national cast members include Beverly Mahood, Jeffery Straker, Jill Straker, Jess Moskaluke, Andrea Menard, Glen Suitor, Lisa Moen and Mac Shephard.
“The need to help people every day hasn’t gone away and so we need the support of Saskatchewan people this year more than ever,” states Angstadt. “Your TeleMiracle donations stay right here in Saskatchewan, helping your neighbours, friends and your community to improve their independence and quality of life.”
