ESTEVAN - The Estevan community is putting a lot of effort into raising money ahead of Telemiracle 46, set to take place at Evraz Place in Regina on March 5 and 6.
"This year's theme is Rooted in Saskatchewan,” says Telemiracle 46 chair Steve Kirwan. "It reflects the telethon's deep roots in this province and the way Saskatchewan people support Telemiracle, year after year."
Preston Majeran, a member of the Estevan Kinsmen Club and Telemiracle's security committee chairperson for this year, said the preparations for the Kin Clubs' biggest fundraiser is going well. Once again many community organizations, businesses and individuals are stepping forward to raise some funds ahead of the event, which raises money for the medical needs of people in Saskatchewan.
The Estevan Kinettes hosted a successful online fundraiser, which wrapped up on Feb. 14. Fired Up Grill announced they'll be donating $1 from every portion of perogies sold throughout February to Telemiracle. The Black Grasshopper ran a Pizza for a Cause fundraiser on Feb. 21. And Black Beard's Restaurant and the Beef Bar are holding a steak day on Feb. 24, when $5 from each steak sold will go towards Telemiracle's total.
Some Estevan schools also joined the initiative and did their best to support the cause. Spruce Ridge School held their one school – one book activity, raising money for Telemiracle. Last Thursday, in conjunction with the Estevan Kinsmen Club, they also hosted the I Ate the Yellow Snow for Telemiracle fundraiser, in which all students were treated to yellow-coloured snow cones, donating some pocket cash to the cause. Ice was provided by Ice Factory, and BK Creations made I Ate Yellow Snow stickers for all participants.
On March 2, the Estevan Bruins will also host Estevan Kinsmen and Kinettes members, who will be fundraising during a hockey game.
"We're hoping to take some good money to Telemiracle this year," Majeran said, adding that they will be raising money all the way until the first day of the telethon.
The Telemiracle 50/50 raffle is back again this year with the jackpot potentially going up to $1.25 million. Last year's 50/50 sold $726,120 worth of tickets. Tickets are on sale now at their website. The draw date is March 2, and the winner will be announced on Countdown to Telemiracle.
Kirwan said Telemiracle 46 will look almost like it did in 2021, with some decisions affecting how volunteers operate to be made at the last minute, depending on provincial health measures and guidelines.
"We're going to be running it the same as we did last year. We'll have pre-recorded set up. And we're going to actually bring in some acts live this year. But the final decision on anything regarding the masking policy, or anything like that has not been finalized yet," Kirwan said.
He added that those decisions will only affect their inner operations, as there will be no live audience once again this year.
"This year, much like last year, the plans were made not to have an audience because of the restrictions. And then the restrictions changed after that decision was made, so we weren't able to change our plans in such a short amount of time," Kirwan explained. "The masking policy won't affect anybody, except for the volunteers working there, so we'll just convey that back to the volunteers."
Other traditional Telemiracle elements remain. Donors can still "Ring Those Phones" and call in their pledges during the telethon broadcast or donate online at www.telemiracle.com. Dozens of talented Saskatchewan performers will be showcased throughout the telethon.
They will have more phones on the stage this year than in 2021, which will look closer to how it used to before the pandemic. And while there will be some live entertainment, Kirwan said most of it will still be pre-recorded.
"Overnight, we'll be pre-recorded just because it's easier to the staff that way. And then there'll be about one act or so live per hour, just the way the scheduling work," Kirwan said.
The national cast will include Beverley Mahood, Brad Johner, Glen Suitor, Jeffery Straker, Jess Moskaluke, Jill Straker and new this year Kala and Bella Thomson.
"This is done months in advance. The auditions were over for all the Sask. talent in November and the decisions were made on who was coming. All the pre-records are already in. All of the legwork is pretty well finished. It's just to put it on," Kirwan said. "Producers have worked very hard to make sure that they can get a product to the screen that will be of some value and enjoyment. They do a great job every year."
Countdown to Telemiracle pre-show will only be available online through telemiracle.com starting at 6:15 p.m. on March 5, until around 8:30 p.m. The main acts will be broadcasted on the CTV network across Saskatchewan and online.
Estevan's Kinettes plan to send seven members to Telemiracle, and the Kinsmen Club will have five members, including Majeran, going to Regina for March 5 and 6 this year.
Altogether this year there will be about 250 volunteers helping to make Telemiracle happen, and Majeran said it's a must-do thing for everyone.
"I've been with the Kinsmen for five years now, and I've been to four Telemiracles. I absolutely love going to Telemiracles ... What keeps me going is all the camaraderie and seeing the stories of where the donations go, and just really having that sense that you're helping somebody while you're doing something fun as well," Majeran shared.
"If anybody hasn't experienced Telemiracle, it is something that is off the hook. It's got a lot of people involved with Kin. It just keeps going on every year and they look forward to Telemiracle every year and it's never too late to join a club. People can reach out to either the Estevan Kinettes or Estevan Kinsmen. We'd be more than happy to have them out for a meeting."
