Kindersley volunteers, performers set for TeleMiracle’s 50th Anniversary broadcast

Phones will soon be ringing across the province as local volunteers and performers prepare to take part in TeleMiracle’s 50th anniversary broadcast.

TeleMiracle Week begins Feb. 22, leading up to the golden anniversary show Feb. 28 to March 1 at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. The milestone event will air for 22 hours, beginning at 7 p.m. on Feb. 28 and concluding at 5 p.m. on March 1 on CTV Saskatchewan and online.

Members of the Kindersley Kinsmen and Kinettes present a cheque for $40,217.45 during last year’s TeleMiracle broadcast. The local service clubs once again will answer phones and announce Kindersley’s fundraising total during TeleMiracle’s 50th anniversary show. PHOTO SUPPLIED

In celebration of five decades, the annual telethon has been extended by two hours, moving the broadcast further into prime time.

“Year after year, Saskatchewan people show their generosity through TeleMiracle,” Minister Responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission Eric Schmalz said in a release. “By donating their time and talents to perform or contributing toward the fundraiser, the people of this great province turn up for TeleMiracle and for those who need us most.”

Since its inception, TeleMiracle has raised more than $171 million to support residents in need of medical travel and specialized equipment through the Kinsmen Foundation of Saskatchewan.

“We are so excited to have an additional two hours, moving TeleMiracle into prime time,” Kinsmen Foundation executive director Danika Dinko said. “These extra hours give us time to highlight the talent across Saskatchewan, showcase memories and create new ones.”

Kinsmen Foundation board chair Tyler Hall thanked donors and volunteers for their continued support.

“Your generosity makes it possible to help people across Saskatchewan access essential medical travel and life-changing medical equipment that would otherwise be out of reach,” he said.

TeleMiracle chair Tammy Blackwell said this year’s broadcast will feature Saskatchewan talent, anniversary tributes and new elements marking the 50-year milestone, with room for a live audience in Saskatoon.

Locally, members of the Kindersley Kinsmen and Kinettes will once again answer phones during the telethon, continuing a long-standing tradition of volunteer support. The community’s fundraising total will be announced during the broadcast. Last year, Kindersley contributed more than $40,000 to the cause.

Kindersley talent will also take the stage this year, with Cole Patton & the Blackjacks scheduled to perform as part of the anniversary show.

Under provincial legislation, TeleMiracle Week is recognized as the week immediately preceding the annual telethon.