The Sturgis Kinsmen-Miracle continued the tradition of helping others when the Kinsmen hosted their 36th annual Mini-Miracle on March 3. The Mini-Miracle raised $31,040.40 this year through a combined effort and support from surrounding comunities and the Sturgis and Preeceville schools. Throughout the past 35 years, the Sturgis Kinsmen have raised $795,520 for Kinsmen Telemiracle which started in 1977.
Cheryl Walker, Daniel Wasylenchuk, Michelle Hansen, Sheila Klebeck and Ashton Langille presented the cheque on behalf of the Sturgis Kinsmen and Kinettes, on stage at Telemiracle at the Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon on March 6.
The money was raised through the Kinsmen’s Mini-Miracle radio-thon and the continued support from the surrounding communities. The Preeceville Hospital bed push raised $7,567.30; the Sturgis Elementary School, $3,235; and the Preeceville School, $2,658. The miracle marathon, a joint venture by the SCHS and the Kinsmen, raised $3,619.75.The SCHS staff and students contributed towards the marathon by paying to wear hats during the year, a change-a-thon, staff dress down days and the SCHS We Day for a total of $6,268.45.
The Preeceville Hospital bed push group presented a cheque to the Sturgis annual Mini-Miracle committee during the annual Kinsmen Mini-miracle. Brenda Lubiniecki accompanied by Cheryl Walker went onto the stage to make the donation.
The Sturgis Kinsmen miracle marathon was a combined effort of SCHS students, staff and Kinsmen members. Participants who braved the cold to run from Canora to Sturgis to raise funds along the way were: Rhianna Olson, Nicole Tureski, Brooke Olson, Tessa Rehaluk, Kristiaan Rayner, Allison Sopel, Bo Babiuk, Cole Kowalchuk, Kyle Teron, Jalen Bayer, Ron Wagar, Jim Prekaski, Keith Babiuk, Conrad Peterson, Craig Lisoway, Daniel Wasylenchuk, Dean Serdachny and Brad Cameron.
The Sturgis Kinsmen and Kinettes Mini-Miracle began in 1981 and started as a talent program and radio-thon fundraiser for Telemiracle. It raised about $8,000 but eventually the talent contest portion was dropped and various events from surrounding communities were added to make the Sturgis Mini-Miracle the success it is today.
Special guests featured were: Kim Peters of Lethbridge and Ron Hanishewski, National Kin President and past president, with his wife Lesley, both of Yorkton. Peters spoke briefly and expressed words of gratitude and encouragement to the Sturgis Kinsmen and Kinettes for a tremendous job with the Mini-Miracle.
Telemiracle Teddy made a short appearance much to the delight of the many children in attendance,
Mayor Don Olson kicked off the live broadcast program by extending a warm welcome on behalf of the town and made a donation from the town to kick off the fundraiser.
The Good Spirit School Division band played numerous musical selections as did the jazz band, under the direction of Nathan Seghers.
The Sturgis Elementary School choir, under the direction of Carla Olson, entertained the audience and made a presentation of $3,235. The students raised the money through a skate-a-thon.
Other entertainers for the evening were: Karissa Hoffart (GX-94 Star Search winner), Britney Vewchar of Preeceville, Shaelyn Crook of Yorkton, Mandy Tremblay of Porcupine, Piper Jaquemart of Norquay, Paige Hansen of Sturgis, Lenny Salyn of Yorkton, Sherry Lesser of Lintlaw, Taylor Belesky of Preeceville and Janet Howard of Sturgis. Tremblay performed as a member of the talent at Telemiracle 40 in Regina on March 5 and 6.
