Several southeast Saskatchewan performers will be part of Kinsmen Telemiracle 44.
This year’s Telemiracle will happen March 7 and 8 at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina. The 20-hour telethon brings the province of Saskatchewan together every year to help friends and neighbours.
All proceeds stay in Saskatchewan and are granted through the Kinsmen Foundation for specialized medical and mobility equipment and assistance with medical travel.
A kickoff on Jan. 16 included the announcement of this year’s national cast, which includes returning stars such as Beverly Mahood, and southeast Saskatchewan’s Brad Johner and Chris Henderson, among others. New additions to this year’s cast include Canadian and International Country Music Hall of Fame members The Good Brothers and Canadian classic rock band Toque, who performed at the New Year’s Eve Party at the Orpheum Theatre in Estevan and is fronted by former Estevan resident Todd Kerns.
“From the biggest cities to the smallest towns, Telemiracle brings the province together to help our friends and neighbours to improve their independence and quality of life,” said Telemiracle 44 chairperson Jesse Shkuratoff.
“Every year, Saskatchewan gives to Telemiracle from its heart and this year we need Saskatchewan’s help more than ever.”
This year, the Kinsmen Foundation expects to receive over 1,000 applications for assistance from Saskatchewan residents.
Saskatchewan talent will be a big part of the telethon, as it has been since the very beginning. Southeast folk trio Hook and Nail of Estevan is slated to perform at Telemiracle for the first time. Encore Musical Theatre and Dance, which has members from Stoughton, Fillmore and other communities, will also perform. And Karissa Hoffort, who won the Estevan Sings competition last year, will be part of the Saskatchewan talent.
Close to 80 performers from across Saskatchewan will not only showcase their incredible talent, they will also raise money for Telemiracle. Once again, they’ll get a huge boost from Nutrien, which is matching all money raised by Saskatchewan performers, up to a total of $150,000.
“During Telemiracle, Saskatchewan performers show us they are not only talented, but also very community-minded,” says Shkuratoff. “We’re grateful that Nutrien has offered to partner with the performers and support the fundraising they’ve done in their communities.”
The entertainment begins with Saskatchewan talent performing on the Countdown to Telemiracle, streamed live on Telemiracle’s YouTube channel, starting March 7 at 6:15 p.m.
The telethon broadcast on CTV begins at 9 p.m. on March 7 and ends at 5 p.m. on March 8. Admission to the Conexus Arts Centre to watch Telemiracle is free.
