SASKATOON - Several members of the Estevan Kinette Club were at TeleMiracle 47 in Saskatoon this year.
Saskatchewan's charity wrapped up its latest edition Sunday night, and as of 5 p.m., the final numbers on the video tote board showed a total of $5,519,229 raised. With this year's incredible generosity added, the total raised by TeleMiracle since 1977 is now over $158 million.
Jessica Beal, Raelene Fieber, Breanne Van De Woestyne and Tara Kyle were at the 20-hour fundraiser.
The day after the event, Kyle, who is the local zone representative for the Kinsmen TeleMiracle Foundation board, said the latest TeleMiracle was "amazing as it always is".
"It's awesome to see the camaraderie. It's awesome to be there in that building and see the people working together and just coming together as a whole province and doing what's best for the province," Kyle shared.
It was her ninth time participating in the fundraiser for Saskatchewan's charity. She noted that as the province is coming back out of COVID-19 restrictions, the event is reshaping as well, which was great to see.
"It's starting to come back to how TeleMiracle used to look, which was super exciting, because it's not just about the funds that we raised for the people, it's also about creating those connections and bonding with your fellow Kins and creating lifetime friendships," Kyle said. "So, it was really awesome to be able to get a little back to normal. We're not quite back to all normal yet, but it's getting there."
This year the Estevan Kinettes raised $10,520.94 to contribute to the TeleMiracle 47 total. Kyle noted that it was one of their higher numbers, and none of it would be possible without help and support from people in the southeast.
"We couldn't have done it without the community, without them we wouldn't have been able to raise that much money," Kyle said.
Kinettes ran a successful online auction, and also raised money through a Toonie for Telemiracle matinee at the Orpheum Theatre on Family Day, a silent auction at a Bruins game, through the GratiTuesday at the local Mr. Mike's Steakhouse Casual, and Pizza with a Purpose at the Black Grasshopper.
"We had quite a few different little things that added up and contributed. And for any of those projects, if the community wouldn't have participated, then we wouldn't have been able to bring that money to TeleMiracle," Kyle said.
Other people from the Estevan area phoned in their pledges during the broadcast.
At TeleMiracle, Estevan Kinettes had many various duties including registrations, security and being a messenger, which is taking donations to the treasury.
"We did all kinds of different positions. You get to learn all kinds of new skills," Kyle shared.
She said her favourite part of TeleMiracle was to see that Saskatchewan once again came through and contributed $5.5 million to give to the people of this province. And the second-best part was getting to do their big Kin supper once again, where they all got together to share a meal afterwards the broadcast.
While this year's total was below the 2022's most successful event that eclipsed the $8 million mark for the first time, the organizers were very grateful for the support and all the funds that were raised, which will be used to help people in Saskatchewan.
"TeleMiracle remains rooted in Saskatchewan and the generosity of Saskatchewan people really shined through once again this weekend," said TeleMiracle 47 chairman Scott Lamb. "These donations are going to help so many people across the province."
Among the many highlights of this year's show were the 80 talented Saskatchewan performers who appeared on throughout the telethon. Not only did these acts showcase the scope of talent from every corner of the province, they also raised money for the telethon – which was once again matched by Nutrien, who presented their donation of $108,182 just before the end of the broadcast.
Kyle thanked everyone in the Estevan area who contributed to the success of this year's TeleMiracle.
"I just want to thank the community because without them this isn't possible. I am so appreciative of all the support that they give us every year," Kyle said.
Planning begins shortly for TeleMiracle 48, to take place Feb. 24-25, 2024, in Regina. Details leading up to next year's show will be posted at www.telemiracle.com.
