SASKATCHEWAN — The annual, provincewide ritual, part of Saskatchewan’s community culture, encompasses the generosity of Saskatchewan people with a celebrity cast, loads of local talent and a continuous, hours-long quest to raise funds for Telemiracle.
This year marks the incredible milestone of celebrating half a century of giving for the province’s only telethon.
For 2026, the show has been expanded to 22 hours from its original 20-hour format. It is a dedication of neighbours helping neighbours, as money raised stays in the province to fund specialized medical assistance, equipment and medical travel.
Some residents might remember Blake Emmons with tears in his eyes watching the very first telethon raise a remarkable $1 million in 1977. Others remember longtime favourite hosts like Bob McGrath, who was described as someone “Who offered both recipients and donors kindness and compassion that felt like a big, warm hug.” Those who have experienced Telemiracle from the beginning might remember Arte Johnson coining the phrase “WOB,” which stood for wheats, oats and barley that some donors pledged toward the fundraising efforts.
Known for its grassroots, heartfelt and community-driven spirit, Telemiracle is often described as a definitive annual gathering of Saskatchewan’s collective goodwill.
For those who have benefitted from the Kinsmen Foundation, the generosity of the province’s residents can be simply described by saying, “When life throws everything at once, Saskatchewan shows up.”
“When a wave of support comes from individuals all across the province, we see miracles take place … It’s a ripple effect of kindness that makes Saskatchewan stronger and more connected. It’s providing hope when things seem hopeless,” a Telemiracle statement reads.
By now, many residents will have noticed dozens of businesses selling Telemiracle Helping Hands, seen coin collection boxes on counters, or perhaps even been part of a crowd sweep at a local arena. Much excitement is building for the milestone celebration of Telemiracle 50.
Bayley Moses, Telemiracle 50 public relations, told SaskToday, “For those attending the live audience of the show, there is a unique opportunity to see the Telemiracle Museum. It will be a stop on guests’ way toward the live audience section and it will be filled with lots of great memorabilia, pictures and vintage souvenirs, some of which we will be selling.”
A virtual Telemiracle museum is also available on the organization’s website.
Moses added, “We will also have some very exciting, one-of-a-kind items for raffle and silent auction. Our museum will be staffed with past Telemiracle and Kinsmen Foundation chairs, who will happily answer questions and share experiences.”
To add to the memory sharing and nostalgia, residents have an opportunity to share their Telemiracle story through online submissions at www.telemiracle.com.
Longtime fundraisers are ongoing and will again take place across the province. The University of Saskatchewan Agros are currently fundraising through their bed push tradition. Fife Lake Hotel, in a small village in southwest Saskatchewan, held three decades of Telemiracle fundraisers raising more than $380,000 with previous owners, and it was announced the new ownership will continue this long-standing tradition. Moses said a similar success story has also been part of Demaine, a tiny hamlet that bands together to raise an incredible amount for Telemiracle each year.
While music and food events remain popular fundraisers each year, communities are also enjoying and supporting unique initiatives that crop up annually. The Lloydminster Kinsmen Club undertook a “Geek on a Peak,” creating a makeshift igloo placed at a high location on Highway 16. Kinsmen members sat atop the structure from Feb. 1 to 6, lowering a bucket on a rope for cash donations. The group also hosted a celebrity day with VIPs joining the effort. The event was livestreamed with online donation capability, making it a creative and attention-capturing fundraiser.
In addition to Helping Hands, residents can support Saskatchewan’s only telethon through Saskatchewan’s Biggest Bottle Drive, which has already exceeded $75,000. Donations can be made by visiting a local SARCAN location and using the drop-and-go system, entering “Telemiracle” at the kiosk. A province-wide 50/50 draw is also underway, with tickets available through the Telemiracle website.
Those who collect Telemiracle bears each year will have to wait until show time to see the special anniversary bear, though sneak peeks will be shared on social media throughout February.
Telemiracle Teddy is on the road throughout February, helping generate excitement for the 50th anniversary event and supporting numerous fundraisers across Saskatchewan.
As this golden anniversary draws nearer, Saskatchewan residents are embracing the opportunity to put their generosity into action, knowing Telemiracle continues to fuel hope across the province.
