As of 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 6th, a total of $8,002,722 has been raised at TeleMiracle 46.
The main broadcast aired at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 5th.
When the show finished, a new record was set, topping the previous record of $7,151,254 from TeleMiracle 42 in 2018.
This year’s high mark included a bequest of close to $1.8 million, the largest single donation in TeleMiracle’s history.
The total included the proceeds of TeleMiracle’s online 50/50 raffle; a jackpot total of $385,730.
Local artist Jess Moskaluke performed as one of the event MCs again with the responsibility of leading the many acts through their transitions.
“Saskatchewan people are known for their generosity and this year, they came together to set an all-time TeleMiracle record,” says TeleMiracle 46 Chair Steve Kirwan. “The impact of these donations will be felt across the province and to everyone who gave this year, I can’t thank you enough”.
More than 100 acts from across the province auditioned this year. A few performers from the area included James “Jimbo” Betts, Melville; Jenna Haas, Yorkton and St. Michael’s School Choir, Yorkton.
Musical artist James “Jimbo” Betts managed to raise $2,708.11 thanks to contributions from the surrounding communities. In an update, he mentioned a special thank you to PJ Gillen Elementary School in Esterhazy for their fundraising assistance.
Betts said the fundraising process involved playing at local venues such as Tapps in Yorkton where he performed live previously. The artist raised over $1000 from supporters at Tapps and another $1600 from fundraising efforts at PJ Gillen in Esterhazy. One PJ Gillen parent donated items from Pampered Chef which were auctioned off through the staff.
He added, “I went to Regina in January to record the performance. The interview part was live during the show.”
This year’s slogan, Rooted in Saskatchewan, is intended to reflect the importance of TeleMiracle to our province.
“TeleMiracle is rooted in Saskatchewan and nothing shows that more than our incredible Saskatchewan Talent,” Kirwan said.
The 20-hour telethon is an annual broadcast. Despite only having a population around one million people in Saskatchewan, supporters have helped raise over $153 million since 1977.
The money raised throughout the year and during the TeleMiracle telethon benefits the Kinsmen Foundation. They provide funding to the people of Saskatchewan requiring special needs equipment to maintain or improve their quality of life; as well as, travel assistance to those needing to leave their community, to access life-saving medical treatment.
Funding is also provided to institutions and health foundations to purchase specialized, new or innovative equipment to improve health care.