Three acts from the Weyburn and surrounding region will make an appearance as part of the Saskatchewan talent on the annual Telemiracle fundraising broadcast.
The Telemiracle broadcast for this year will originate from Saskatoon’s TCU Place. The show runs for 20 hours beginning at 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 4. Admission to TCU Place to watch Telemiracle is free.
Local performers who will take part include dancer Autumn Alexander, the Encore Musical Theatre and Dance Company of Fillmore, and singer Karissa Hoffart of Minton.
This year, there will be performances from over 60 Saskatchewan acts and many of them will also raise money for Telemiracle. Like last year, they’ll get a huge boost from PotashCorp. Once again, PotashCorp is matching all money raised by Saskatchewan performers, up to a total of $150,000.
The Kinsmen Foundation through Telemiracle raises millions of dollars every year to help people and organizations with medical expenses they can’t afford. Every year, Saskatchewan gives to Telemiracle from its heart and this year, Saskatchewan’s help is needed more than ever, because the Kinsmen Foundation is seeing more applications than ever before.
“Just a few years ago, we approved 651 applications for funding in a year,” said Cindy Xavier, Executive Director of the Kinsmen Foundation. “We’re already on track to be close to a thousand gifts for this year.”
Making their first appearance on Telemiracle: comedian Big Daddy Tazz, Delhi 2 Dublin, TSN personality Darren Dutchyshen, originally from Porcupine Plain, Holly Woods and Toronto, The Hunter Brothers, and The Sojourners.
Returning regulars for Telemiracle 41 are Brad Johner and the Johner Boys, Beverley Mahood, Donny Parenteau, Jeffery Straker, and Jill Straker. Joining Telemiracle for a second show is Chris Henderson and Sierra Noble.
“This has got to be one of the most diverse casts ever,” said Adam Logue, public relations chair for Telemiracle 41. “Several different genres of music will be represented. Viewers will hear and see great acts from all across Canada. Everything from classic rock to electronic-dance to gospel. We of course can’t forget about country music and Saskatchewan’s own Hunter Brothers are set to wow our audience. 41 has everything.”
Beverley Mahood and Brad Johner return to co-host the broadcast, the 20th Telemiracle appearance for both. “We count on Brad and Beverley year after year. They’re wonderful entertainers and hosts. Their 20th show is a milestone and we’ll make a point to thank them,” said Ian Roach, co-producer for Kinsmen Telemiracle.
The Kinsmen Foundation makes miracles by providing Saskatchewan people and organizations with special needs equipment and access to medical assistance. Through Telemiracle dollars, the Kinsmen Foundation is able to gift, for example, mobility equipment, travel costs to get to medical facilities, community vans, and equipment in hospitals and health centres.
