The Estevan Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs are looking forward to the upcoming Telemiracle 44 fundraiser at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina.
The telethon will open March 7 with a kickoff show at 6:15 p.m. and the main broadcast will run from 9 p.m. March 7 to 5 p.m. March 8. Proceeds from the benefit will be directed towards the medical needs of Saskatchewan residents.
Last year’s fundraiser generated more than $5.6 million for the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation.
Susan Colbow, who is a local Kinette and the chairperson of the Telemiracle public relations committee, said they’re trying to get corporations and people involved by selling helping hands and holding fundraisers.
“Local clubs are doing some fundraising as well, and there are fundraisers happening all across the province,” said Colbow.
Since the event is in Regina, it means there will be more Kin members attending than when it is held in Saskatoon.
More than two dozen local Kin club members are expected to attend this year.
The local clubs have some fundraisers planned, including a matinee movie at the Orpheum Theatre on Feb. 22, a pass the bucket fundraiser at the Estevan Bruins hockey game against the Weyburn Red Wings on Feb. 29, and a steak supper fundraiser at Black Beard’s Restaurant on March 3.
A yoga for a cause fundraiser was held with OM Yoga Studio and a poker tournament at Willy’s The Tap House were held earlier in February to benefit Telemiracle. Several businesses and organizations are selling helping hands this month.
Colbow is one of several local Kinettes involved with the Telemiracle steering committee. Jacinda Drew is the security chair, leaving her in charge of the security of the building during the event, and making sure that people go where they need to be. Janelle Luddington is the finance chair, which means she’s involved with tabulating pledges and donations. Chelsey Istace is the education chair, which leaves her in charge of the children who post the tote board numbers, among other duties.
“It shows that we’ve been around and these members have been involved with the Estevan Kinette Club for 10 years,” said Colbow. “It shows that we can be relied on and we can do a good job, which makes you feel good.”
As for Colbow, most of her work will be finished once Telemiracle begins, but she is tasked with touring the national cast around during the broadcast. Right now she is busy promoting the event and acknowledging sponsors who support the show.
The remaining Kin club members have a variety of tasks during the event.
“The Kinsmen, I believe, do messengers most of the time, so they’ll be running around getting people and money to where they need to go.”
Kinettes will be helping out the committees that Luddington, Drew and Istace are chairing.
Brad Johner and the Johner Boys and Chris Henderson are local acts who will be part of the national cast. Local folk Trio Hook and Nail is part of the Saskatchewan talent, along with Encore Musical Theatre and Dance, which has members from Stoughton, Fillmore and other communities.
Colbow encourages people of Saskatchewan to show their support for Telemiracle, and in doing so, help Saskatchewan people.
“The need is there. The need is great and it’s growing. There are so many people who need help with getting to places where they need to be.”
The provincial government will cover a medical treatment, but if someone can’t afford the travel cost or accommodations, that’s where Telemiracle comes in.
“They have to take their child there … so they’re not working. They have to take time off and their spouse has to take time off. They have to travel there, pay for gas and pay for meals and pay for accommodations.”
People think the Telemiracle Foundation helps out with medical equipment, and they do. Telemiracle has assisted such projects as the dialysis unit and the maternity ward at St. Joseph’s Hospital, the van for SMILE Services and the playground equipment at Westview School and Hillcrest School.
The money that will be raised will stay in Saskatchewan, and people who donate to Telemiracle know their donations will help this province’s people.
