ASSINIBOIA — Did you know some members of Assiniboia Kinsmen Club were part of the inaugural meetings with Telemiracle founder, Urb Donlevy, to start what is known today as Telemiracle, now ready for its 49th year?
Telemiracle 49 will take place in Saskatoon March 1-2 at Prairieland Park. The telethon runs for 20 straight hours starting Saturday at 9 p.m. on CTV. The show features a national cast along with dozens of Saskatchewan performers, intermixed with community Kinsmen and Kinette clubs and other organizations bringing in their donations.
Katelynn Magee-Gillies, from Ogema, will be one of the Saskatchewan talent acts featured during the 20-hour telethon.
Telemiracle 48 generated just over $6 million, with all funds staying in Saskatchewan, helping Saskatchewan people. The provincial telethon broke the $8 million mark in 2022.
Funds raised from the annual 20-hour telethon can be used to purchase items for residents in need such as an outdoor lift that may cost upwards of $20,000, or a specialized power chair, which can cost close to $17,000. Funds may also be given on an emergency basis, with approval by the Kinsmen Foundation board, if a family or persons need emergency medical care away from home. You can find details and learn of Telemiracle’s history on their website.
Assiniboia Kinsmen and Kinettes have been doing their part to raise money for Saskatchewan’s charity. The Assiniboia Kinettes held a raffle at one of the Christmas craft shows and also were part of the highly successful spin-a-thon that generated over $14,000. Several club members will also attend the telethon to work as one of more than 700 volunteers who help man the event.
Assiniboia Kinsmen will once again hold their Telemiracle auction at the Limerick Hotel, as well as a steak night at 121 Steakhouse in Assiniboia.
The Town of Assiniboia organized a skate-a-thon/walk-a-thon at Southland Co-op Centre on Feb. 19 encouraging participants to get pledges for their efforts as part of a fundraising initiative for the annual telethon.
The Harkness duo was once again soliciting donations towards their always successful Fife Lake Telemiracle auction. It would be their 32nd year of this highly successful fundraiser, having generated more than $355,000 over three decades, with last year’s total earning $27,299.25.
Kin Clubs across the province remind residents it takes a village to work towards the Telemiracle success story as they count on efforts from community schools, seniors’ centres and other entities who hold various events and activities to benefit the overall total generated.
