REGINA — At the historic Hotel Saskatchewan Monday morning, cast members of TeleMiracle 50, provincial leaders, volunteers and longtime supporters gathered to launch a week that has become part of Saskatchewan’s identity.
This year marks a milestone that few community fundraisers ever reach. TeleMiracle is celebrating 50 years of helping people across Saskatchewan.
Following the kickoff breakfast, supporters headed to the Saskatchewan Legislative Building for an official TeleMiracle flag raising, signalling the start of TeleMiracle Week in the province. Under provincial legislation, the week leading up to the annual telethon is formally recognized, overseen by the minister responsible for the provincial capital commission.
“Year after year, Saskatchewan people show their generosity through TeleMiracle,” said Minister Responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission Eric Schmalz. “By donating their time and talents to perform or contributing toward the fundraiser, the people of this great province turn up for TeleMiracle and for those who need us most.”
Soon, that familiar phrase, “Ring those phones,” will echo once again through Prairieland Park in Saskatoon.
TeleMiracle 50 airs Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. through March 1 at 5 p.m. on the TeleMiracle website, extended this year to 22 hours in honour of the golden anniversary. For the first time, the show reaches deeper into prime time, giving audiences more entertainment and more opportunity to give.
“We are so excited to have an additional two hours, moving TeleMiracle into prime time,” said Kinsmen Foundation executive director Danika Dinko. “These extra hours give us time to highlight the talent across Saskatchewan, showcase memories and create new ones.”
The live broadcast will stream online and feature Saskatchewan performers, anniversary throwbacks and special tributes spanning five decades.
“This year's TeleMiracle proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of generosity, community and impact across Saskatchewan,” said TeleMiracle chair Tammy Blackwell. “With plenty of room for a live audience, we invite people across the province to join this historic celebration.”
TeleMiracle is the annual telethon in support of the Kinsmen Foundation, and its impact stretches far beyond the stage lights.
Since 1977, TeleMiracle has raised more than $171 million. Those funds provide grants to Saskatchewan residents who need specialized medical equipment or must travel outside their communities for treatment. For many families, those grants mean access to wheelchairs, communication devices, vehicle modifications and lifesaving medical trips that would otherwise be out of reach.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who supports the TeleMiracle fundraiser,” said Kinsmen Foundation board chair Tyler Hall. “Your generosity makes it possible to help people across Saskatchewan access essential medical travel and life changing medical equipment that would otherwise be out of reach. Your support truly makes a difference.”
For 50 years, TeleMiracle has been powered almost entirely by volunteers from performers and phone operators to organizers and community groups. It remains one of Saskatchewan’s most enduring and uniquely homegrown traditions.
And when the phones begin ringing once again, Saskatchewan will answer.
Watch the highlight video from Monday morning’s kickoff breakfast at the top of this story to see how TeleMiracle 50 officially began.
