INVERMAY : TeleMiracle – Saskatchewan’s Charity – wrapped up its 48th edition on Feb. 25 in Regina. As of 5 p.m. the final numbers on the video tote board showed a total of $6,112,717 raised, according to a release
With this year’s incredible generosity added, the total raised by TeleMiracle since 1977 is now over $165,112,717 million.
One of the many highlights of this year’s show were the 75 talented Saskatchewan performers who appeared throughout the telethon. One of those performers was 17-year-old Bethany Ogden, a student from Invermay who is focused on pursuing a professional singing career after high school graduation. Ogden’s father Mark recalled that she began to show an interest in singing around the age of seven or eight, but she said she only got serious about singing less than a year ago.
“She’s worked really hard, sings every night with the intent of proving herself. Being chosen is a prestigious accomplishment. She’s following her dream and going after it, I like that.”
“I was very happy and so excited to have the opportunity to perform at TeleMiracle,” said Ogden. “I enjoyed getting to see what goes on behind the scene and how they put everything together.”
Not only did Ogden and the other acts showcase the scope of talent from every corner of the province, they also raised money for the telethon.
Ogden said, as part of her fundraising efforts, she baked cookies to raise money. In addition to her home community of Invermay, she also traveled to Canora, Wadena and Yorkton to make sales. Combined with donations from family and friends, Ogden raised $1,120 for TeleMiracle.
Money raised by performers was matched by Nutrien, who presented their donation of $100,000 just before the end of the TeleMiracle broadcast.
Ogden said she thoroughly enjoyed the TeleMiracle experience, adding “If I'm still around for next year I would love to sing again. I really love the feeling of singing, I love hitting a note just right, I enjoy interacting with the audience, and I even like getting the jitters before a performance.”
“TeleMiracle remains rooted in Saskatchewan and the generosity of Saskatchewan people really shined through once again this weekend,” said TeleMiracle 48 Chair Tyler Hall at the end of the broadcast. “These donations are going to help so many people across the province.”
“Every dollar counts and we are so grateful to the people of Saskatchewan for their continuing support,” stated Hall. “The best part is that all the money raised stays right here in Saskatchewan, to help their friends, neighbours and communities.”
All TeleMiracle proceeds stay in Saskatchewan and are granted through the Kinsmen Foundation for specialized medical and mobility equipment, assistance with medical travel, and new and innovative health care equipment. The Foundation typically receives over 1,000 applications for assistance annually.
Donors that made phone pledges during the telethon can honour them by mailing their donation to TeleMiracle at Box 83000, Saskatoon SK, S7K 9S1.
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