TeleMiracle – Saskatchewan’s Charity – announced the details of how TeleMiracle 45 will be presented during a pandemic. The charity confirmed this annual Saskatchewan tradition will carry on with a 20-hour telethon on February 27-28, 2021 from Prairieland Park in Saskatoon.
“Our theme and logo chosen for this year was the family bubble gathered in front of the TV to watch the telethon,” says TeleMiracle 45 Chair Brian Angstadt. “We didn’t know it was going to predict the future. We invite everyone in Saskatchewan to gather with their bubble in front of the TV or computer to watch TeleMiracle 45 in February.”
Changes were made to the TeleMiracle format and the Saskatchewan Health Authority was consulted throughout the planning process to ensure all COVID-19 public safety guidelines are followed. These include:
• No live audience
• All performances will be pre-recorded
• Cameos and special appearances live via remote video or pre-recorded
• Cast and volunteers at the venue will follow physical distancing rules, practice good hygiene and wear masks when not on-camera
Many traditional TeleMiracle elements will remain part of the telethon. Donors can still “Ring Those Phones” and their pledge calls will be answered by volunteer operators seated at physically distanced phone stations. Saskatchewan talent remains a key part of TeleMiracle, so these performers will be showcased with pre-recorded videos. Viewers can expect to see special appearances by many TeleMiracle friends, both old and new.
The excitement begins on Saturday, February 27th at 6:15 p.m. with “Countdown to TeleMiracle” live streamed at www.telemiracle.com. The live broadcast begins at 9:00 p.m. across the CTV Saskatchewan network (and at www.telemiracle.com) concluding on Sunday, February 28th at 5:00 p.m.
The TeleMiracle National Cast will act as hosts to guide viewers through this new experience. All cast members are veterans of past TeleMiracle telethons – Beverly Mahood, Brad Johner, Jeffery Straker, Jill Straker, Jess Moskaluke, Andrea Menard, Chris Henderson, Glen Suitor, Lisa Moen and Mac Shephard.
“The need to help people every day hasn’t gone away and so we need the support of Saskatchewan people this year more than ever,” states Angstadt. “Your TeleMiracle donations stay right here in Saskatchewan, helping your neighbours, friends and your community to improve their independence and quality of life.”
TeleMiracle is entering its 45th year in 2021 and the people of Saskatchewan need your help more than ever. Through the proceeds of this annual telethon, the Kinsmen Foundation is Helping People Every Day in Saskatchewan, to improve their independence and quality of life. The Foundation provides specialized mobility and medical equipment to people and organizations throughout the province, as well as travel assistance for residents in need of vital medical treatment outside their community.
National Cast
https://andreamenard.com/
• Veteran host and performer on TeleMiracle
• Metis heritage
• Spirit name, Grandmother Wind
• Singer, songwriter, actress, public speaker
• Raised in Saskatchewan
https://www.bradjohner.com/
• Over 20 years on TeleMiracle
• Born and raised in Saskatchewan
• Internationally acclaimed Country artist
• Also performs with his sons (The Johner Boys)
https://www.beverleymahood.com/
• Over 20 years on TeleMiracle
• Country / Pop singer, songwriter (Solo and as part of "Lace")
• Actress and television host
• Has won multiple awards including five Juno nominations
http://www.chrishendersonmusic.com/
• TeleMiracle host and performer for over five years
• Born in Estevan, now living in Regina
• Saskatchewan Country Music Awards' Male Artist of the Year three years in a row (2018, 2019, 2020)
• Once donated a much beloved hat, right off his head, to raise money for TeleMiracle
https://twitter.com/GlenSuitor
• Eleven years as a Saskatchewan Roughrider
• Three-time CFL All-star
• CFL on TSN Colour Commentator
• Gemini Award for best sports analyst 2006
• Canadian Screen award for best sports analyst 2014
https://www.jessmoskaluke.com/site.php/
• First Canadian female country artist since Shania Twain to achieve CRIA Platinum single status with the hit "Cheap Wine and Cigarettes"
• CRIA Gold certifications for "Take Me Home and "Kiss Me Quiet"
• Three-time consecutive CCMA "Female Artist of the Year" award winner (first Saskatchewan resident ever to achieve this), nominated seven consecutive years
• 2018 CCMA Award winner for "Album of the Year"
• Next release: "Mapdot", a personal ode to smalltown pride and the place she's proud to call home.
https://www.jeffstraker.com/
• Saskatchewan born and raised
• Performs over 100 shows across Canada, Europe and Latin America each year
• Has had his music used in TV, movies and theatrical productions
• Critical comparisons have been made to the likes of Kris Kristofferson, Billy Joel, & Harry Chapin.
• Jeffery won a Western Canadian Music Award in 2019, & will be releasing a new album in 2021
https://twitter.com/StrakerJill
• Over seven years on TeleMiracle as host and back-up vocal for Jeffery Straker
• Saskatchewan born and raised, now living in Regina
• Much better looking than her brother Jeffery
• Host of the "Countdown to TeleMiracle" live stream on TeleMiracle's YouTube channel
https://www.facebook.com/MacShepherdMusic
• another newbie to TeleMiracle
• Youngest member of the cast
• Works closely with Beverley Mahood
• Sings, plays guitar, piano, bass, mandolin, drums and cello
https://lisamoen.com/
• One of the newer members of the National Cast
• Country music singer/songwriter
• 2018 and 2019 SCMA Country Music Person of the Year
• You'll know her by her boundless enthusiasm and energy
• Host of the overnight portion of TeleMiracle
