Monthly column confession time: I can’t get enough of Telemiracle.
If you’ve spent any amount of time in this province, you know what Telemiracle is and what it does. Each year, Saskatchewan’s Kinsmen and Kinettes stage a 20-hour fundraiser to raise money for the medical needs of Saskatchewan’s people.
Those needs are diverse, ranging from medical scooters to covering expenses while undergoing treatment. Those expenses might not seem like a lot, but if you add up travel, meals, accommodations and other costs while seeking treatment in another community or province, those costs will add up in a hurry.
The Telemiracle Foundation supported the dialysis unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital back in 2007; it also contributed to the construction of the inclusive playground at Westview School.
And there are lots of Estevan area residents who have stories on how the Telemiracle Foundation was there to support them when they needed it.
When you make a donation to Telemiracle, you know that it’s going to help the needs of Saskatchewan people. It’s not going to a corporate head office in Toronto, to pay the wage of a high-priced CEO or the litany of staff working for a foundation. It’s going to Saskatchewan residents.
Yes, there’s going to be some overhead, after all, you’re dealing with an organization that raises millions of dollars in a short amount of time each year.
But when you consider how much money is raised, the amount that’s spent on campaign expenses and administration is surprisingly low. That’s the way it should be with non-profits.
This year’s Telemiracle will have a tough act to follow. Last year’s show, chaired by Estevan’s Susan Colbow, topped the $7 million mark. How stunning was the total? Prior to 2018, Telemiracle had never cleared the $6 million mark, let alone $7 million.
She’ll credit the people of the province for their generosity, the talents of the national and provincial entertainers for their abilities, and the commitment of the people who make the show happen as the reasons for the outstanding support. It helped that there was a record-setting donation that came in during the broadcast.
But I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Telemiracle had such overwhelming success in the year in which it was chaired by someone from Estevan; after all, Estevan knows a thing or two about running great fundraisers.
Most of us have fond memories of Telemiracle. Perhaps it’s from when a family member or a friend performed as part of the Saskatchewan cast. Perhaps it’s from the performance of a favourite national entertainer. Or maybe it’s associated with a large donation that made a difference to so many.
How great is Telemiracle? Bob McGrath, the famed Sesame Street entertainer, who isn’t from Saskatchewan, came to Telemiracle each year for most of the show’s first 40 years. When he announced in 2015 that he was stepping aside, it was an emotional moment, especially for those who grew up watching this well-known American entertainer come to Saskatchewan each year to help people, most of whom he would never know.
And when McGrath made a surprise return last year, it made for another memorable moment.
But there are other performers in the national cast who are there year after year (like a couple of southeast products Brad Johner and the Johner Boys, and Chris Henderson), and there is always lots of great Saskatchewan people looking to lend their talents to support local residents, even if they’re on stage for only a few minutes.
Because of Telemiracle’s mandate to help Saskatchewan people, it means that there’s also a pretty good chance that you know somebody who has benefitted from the work of the Telemiracle Foundation.
But one thing has remained constant during Telemiracle’s history: the efforts of the Kinsmen and Kinettes to make it all a success.
Telemiracle doesn’t set any goals. The Kinsmen and Kinettes come in with a goal to raise as much money as possible in 20 hours to support Saskatchewan people. Obviously, you want to raise more money than you did the previous year, but that might be a little ambitious. It might be a few years before Telemiracle clears $7 million again.
(The previous record of $5.9 million was set in 2012).
I’m not a Kinsmen, but I marvel at the work they do each year.
If it’s Saturday night at my place, and I’m home, I’m watching Telemiracle. My beloved Vancouver Canucks could be gunning for an NHL record win streak (far-fetched, I know), but I’d be watching Telemiracle.
(Won’t be home for the Saturday night Telemiracle broadcast this year; I’ll be at a junior hockey game).
If it’s Sunday afternoon and I’m home, Telemiracle’s on.
I obviously don’t get to watch the entire 20-hour broadcast, after all, there needs to be time for sleep and work, but when I get the chance to watch TV, Telemiracle’s the priority.
But I’ll be tuned in every chance I get, watching the people of the province throw their support behind others, knowing that the money is going to people who need it, and that one day they might find themselves in a situation in which they’ll need that support as well.
