WEYBURN - The 48th Annual Telemiracle, “Saskatchewan’s Charity” will be held this weekend in Regina.
From 9 a.m. Saturday to 5 p.m. Sunday, viewers are encouraged to “Ring Those Phones”.
Since 1977, the Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs (now know as the Kin Club) has hosted this popular fundraiser that features many national and international celebrities.
Our favourite Bob (McGrath from Sesame Street) was passionate about Telemiracle. For 38 years, he was a regular fixture on the telethon. His cheery face and encouraging ways are missed.
Bob was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan in 2006 for his work with Telemiracle.
More recently, Beverley Mahood and Brad Johner, pianist Frank Mills and Saskatchewan-born motivational speaker Alvin Law have helped host the 20-hour event.
When the TV cameras scan the audience, it is apparent that the crowd is excited and engaged with the performers.
During COVID, live crowds were not allowed, but this year, a limited live audience will be in attendance.
My family personally knows the benefit of help from the Kin Club and Telemiracle. My foster brother has cerebral palsy, which confines him to a wheelchair.
I remember my parents receiving parcels for him with items to make his life easier - sheepskin to prevent bedsores and chafing, an easy grasp spoon, a bowl that would secure to his tray so that he could feed himself without upsetting the food.
There is a myriad of other projects that the Kin Club supports, but Telemiracle is so well known, donations come from all across the world.
From the $1 million raised during the first one in 1977, to the largest sum (over $8 million) in 2022, Telemiracle is truly Saskatchewan’s Charity, and one we can all be proud of!
