SASKATOON — Kinsmen Foundation Chair Jordan Kammer said preparations and planning for the 50th anniversary of TeleMiracle will begin in the coming days behind the leadership of Tammy Blackwell, who will take over the reins from 49 chief Terri Troupe-Logue to lead the 2025-2026 committee.
“It has been a busy weekend. We’re going to take a break on Monday, and we will wait a week. Let the dust settle a little bit. Give ourselves a chance to breathe,” Kammer told Â鶹ÊÓƵ with a smile on Saturday, March 1, the first day of the 20-hour telethon at Prairieland Park.
“We're going get things running and going full tilt for TeleMiracle 50. As far as what to expect, it will be a big show. It is 50 years of fundraising and showcasing Saskatchewan’s talent. We will celebrate the best way we can and bring that 50th recognition to the province.”
Last Sunday, minutes before the phone lines closed, they unveiled the TeleMiracle 50 logo, which combines gold and purple to symbolize a milestone with a pair of wheat stalks.
Kammer said they would start planning special events before the two-day TeleMiracle 50 event in the next few months.
“What this might look like, we're not sure, but we're looking to celebrate big since this is 50 years of miracles and helping the people. Continue this for another 50 years. That's our goal; we want to keep TeleMiracle going as long as possible,” said Kammer.
“Who knows? I hope I'm around for TeleMiracle 100 because that'd be fantastic,” he added in jest.
The 20-hour telethon, which started at 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, raised $5,708,306 after the phone lines closed at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 2. This brings the total to $171,137,369 since the annual provincial fundraising event began in 1977. TeleMiracle 46 holds the record of raising $8,002,722.
Despite its estimated population of almost 1.4 million, Saskatchewan has generous residents. Elementary school children and seniors hold fundraising events, such as lemonade stands, selling hotdogs, candies, artwork, having steak night, and donating to the Kinsmen Foundation.
All proceeds help Saskatchewan residents with mobility issues by providing special equipment—such as ceiling track systems, portable lifts, ramps, wheelchairs, and scooters for older people—and travel assistance for medical treatment.
The Kinsmen Foundation funds these needs, and anyone from Saskatchewan, including the border communities in Lloydminster and Flin Flon, who is a citizen or permanent resident with a valid Saskatchewan Health Card can apply for funding.
