TeleMiracle – Saskatchewan’s Charity – wrapped up its 45th edition on Sunday evening in Saskatoon, a telethon like none ever seen in Saskatchewan in the past 44 years. Despite changes and challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the final numbers on the video tote board showed a total of $5,630,215 raised.
With this year’s incredible generosity added, the total raised by TeleMiracle since 1977 is now over $145 million. Last spring, the world changed and TeleMiracle 45 changed along with it. Its new format blended old traditions with new technology.
The broadcast featured no live audience this year with most live appearances by remote video. National cast hosts were live in-studio, with physical distancing in-place.
One of the many highlights of this year’s show were the 75 talented Saskatchewan performers who appeared on throughout the telethon and on the Countdown to TeleMiracle pre-show, streamed live on at telemiracle.com. Not only did these acts showcase the breadth 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 $100,000 live by remote video just before the end of the broadcast.
Content for the show was pre-recorded over many months leading up to the telethon. The Saskatchewan talent included local performers dancer Autumn Alexander, singer Alfredo Aguiar, singer Breanna Bjarnason, singer Karissa Hoffart, singer Maraya Parisien and singer Onello Bahingawan. In addition, Brad and Ashley Brown of Sedley were part of the Countdown Show which preceded TeleMiracle.
The changes to the TeleMiracle broadcast were made with COVID safety in mind and were approved by provincial health authorities.
“Our show producers did a great job throughout the entire year of planning, working closely with the health authorities and making sure everyone involved with this year’s production followed all the COVID safety guidelines and protocols,” said TeleMiracle chair Brian Angstadt.
“We did our best to follow, keep up with and exceed all the COVID safety protocols and guidelines at all times.”
All TeleMiracle proceeds stay in Saskatchewan and are granted through the Kinsmen Foundation for specialized medical and mobility equipment, and assistance with medical travel. The Foundation receives over 1,000 applications for assistance from Saskatchewan residents each year.
TeleMiracle reminds those who made pledges during the telethon to honour them by mailing their donation to Box 83000, Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 9S1.
Planning begins shortly for TeleMiracle 46, to take place in 2022 in Regina. Details leading up to next year’s show will be posted at www.telemiracle.com.
