Telemiracle 47 eclipses the $5.5 million mark

Saskatchewanresidents were once again very generous when it came to this year’s edition of Telemiracle, held Feb. 25-26 in Saskatoon.

The 47th edition of the 20-hour fundraiser went off the air at 5 p.m. with a total of $5,519,229.Telemiracle proceeds stay in Saskatchewan to fund the work of the Kinsmen Foundation, helping people every day with their medical needs.

With this year’s generosity included, the total raised by Telemiracle since 1977 is now over $158 million mark.

“Telemiracle remains rooted in Saskatchewan and the generosity of Saskatchewan people really shined through once again this weekend,” says Telemiracle 47 chairman Scott Lamb. “These donations are going to help so many people across the province.”

The telethon featured 80 talented Saskatchewan performers and multiple tributes to the late Bob McGrath, who died last December. McGrath, who gained fame for his work on Sesame Street, was part of the nationalcastatTelemiracle for 40 years. His last appearance live was in 2018, but he did have a virtual cameo appearance in 2021.

Nutrien donated $108,182 to match donations raised by Saskatchewan talent.

Many people from southeast Saskatch- ewan called in during the broadcast to make a donation, while others supported fundraisers that happened in the region in the weeks leading up to the broadcast.

“Every dollar counts and we are so grateful to the people of Saskatchewan for their continuing support,” states Lamb. “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 spe- cialized 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. 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.