The Preeceville Hospital’s annual bed push for Telemiracle raised a record setting $7,567.30 on March 3.
“We want to recognize all the people who make this possible each year,” said Brenda Lubiniecki, an organizer. “That includes the individuals who pushed the bed from Preeceville to Sturgis, and those who worked behind the scenes. We are very appreciative to the Preeceville School staff and students, Sturgis staff and students, the maintenance workers who always get the bed ready for us, and the Sturgis and district fire department for accompanying us on the road. A big thanks also goes out to everyone who donated to support such a worthy cause.”
Participants left the hospital grounds on Thursday, determined to continue the annual tradition. They were escorted by the Sturgis and district fire rescue unit and followed by the Sturgis fire truck. The rescue unit’s flashing lights and siren signaled to motorist that the bed push was in progress. After canvassing in Preeceville, the entourage made its way along the highway to Sturgis where stopping motorists gave generously.
Preeceville School staff and students who joined the push later were: Rachael Kashuba, Sheila Klebeck, Eli Kashuba, Brady Kashuba, Isaac Kashuba, and Megan Morton. Chaz Jaeb from the Sturgis Elementary School also joined the push.
The group arrived about two hours later in Sturgis. The group presented a cheque to the Sturgis 36th annual Mini-miracle committee during the annual Kinsmen Mini-miracle. Brenda Lubiniecki and Cheryl Walker were accompanied by Eugene Boychuk and Daniel Wasylenchuk as they pushed the bed towards the stage to make their presentation.
Those who participated in this year’s event were: Blaise Zubko, Brad Secundiak, Kent Seerey, Brittany Kashuba, Kelton Novak, Sylvan Klebeck, Nicole Bileski, Sky Pinder, Britney Vewchar, James Dodge, Mia Mitchell, Alexis Firman, Sharon Draper, Keri Firman, Cheryl Walker, Brenda Lubiniecki, Joy Guy, Linda Pye, Crystal Romanchuk, Penny Smorodin, Edith Belesky, Rachael Kashuba, Sheila Klebeck, Eli Kashuba, Brady Kashuba, Isaac Kashuba, Megan Morton and Chaz Jaeb.
The group had collected donations at the hospital before it canvassed in Preeceville and along the highway to Sturgis.
The Sturgis Kinsmen and Kinettes Mini-Miracle presentation at Telemiracle in Regina on Sunday included the money raised from the Preeceville Hospital bed push. In total, $31,040.40 was presented at Telemiracle.
“We couldn’t do this event year after year without the continued support of the Preeceville Hospital, Lions Hostel staff and families, friends and most importunately of all, the people who supported the bed push. It just amazes me every year when we see the generosity of people and how it all comes together,” said Brenda Lubiniecki.
In the years that the Preeceville Hospital staff have organized a bed push, more than $130,000 has been raised for Telemiracle.