ASSINIBOIA—Assiniboia Kinsmen will mark 80 years as a community service club in September 2025. Their impact on the inaugural planning stages and early Telemiracle events has not gone unnoticed.
No one would have believed that after the first Saskatchewan telethon in 1977, which surpassed all fundraising expectations, the event would hit 50 years. Fast forward to today and those involved in the Kinsmen Foundation and Telemiracle are feverishly planning the 50th anniversary of Saskatchewan’s only telethon, ensuring it will be done in style.
Dave Carnie, former Assiniboia Kinsmen member, says he remembers the infamous rock that was pushed to Regina for a Telemiracle fundraiser, as it was his idea. It coincided with a major curling event in Assiniboia. Carnie was also part of the team that pushed the rock to its destination, delivering funds raised along the way. The rock featured the slogan “A miracle is only a stone’s throw away,” showcasing the club’s message that fundraising could be simple yet impactful.
Telemiracle vision turns to reality
Peter Kilburn is credited with leading the team that started the Kinsmen Foundation, approved at the Kin district convention. The foundation’s two main goals were to provide fellowship and service for Kinsmen and Kinettes on a provincial basis, and to fund anyone in the province with a physical, mental or social disability who couldn’t get funding from any other source.
The Telemiracle website notes that discussions began in 1975 to find a way to raise more money, leading to the idea of a telethon. Urban Donlevy, of Saskatoon’s Kinsmen Club, was appointed chair of the first organizing committee. After thousands of hours of work, the first Telemiracle took place Feb. 5–6, 1977.
The site also features audio recordings of both founders under the history tab, showcasing their vision and determination to create this part of Saskatchewan’s culture and tradition.
Former Assiniboia Kinsmen and K-40 member Doug McConnell says a contingent of local members, including Wayne Ekdahl, attended initial meetings with Kilburn, Donlevy and other key contributors to start the Telemiracle pathway. McConnell was interviewed by Telemiracle to share his memories of Assiniboia’s involvement in those early years.
In an earlier interview, former Assiniboia mayor and Kinsmen member Bob Himbeault recalled, “I believe many clubs focus their efforts on Telemiracle fundraising, which is great for the province and helps promote Kinsmen and Kinettes, which should help attract new members.”
Kin Kids, inspired by Assiniboia Kin’s Telemiracle efforts, went on to join Kinsmen or Kinette Clubs, as well as the University of Saskatchewan Kin Club. Telemiracle has not only created a provincial community culture, but also boosted awareness of the Kinsmen and Kinettes’ work year-round.
Telemiracle 50 chair Tammy Blackwell said she learned the telethon concept evolved between 1973 and 1974 in classic Kinsmen fashion: telling funny stories and enjoying food, fun and fellowship. The idea gained momentum from there.
Blackwell added, “Lots of components of that very first show are still in place, like on-air presentations, high-quality Sask. talent, being visible in the active part of the show, and growing totals shown regularly.”
To date, Telemiracle has raised $171 million. The first event in 1977 set a record for the most money raised per capita in a telethon. In 1983, it passed the $2-million mark for the first time and the $3-million mark in 2001. In 2022, it reached $8 million for the first time, boosted by large bequests.
Assiniboia’s Kin Clubs continue to make significant contributions
Assiniboia Kinsmen and Kinettes have contributed greatly to this annual provincial fundraiser. In 2024, they delivered $64,341.24 on stage during the telethon, representing both clubs’ fundraisers and donations from other organizations. Of that, $14,000 came from the Kinette’s spin-a-thon, showcasing the community’s dedication and creativity in fundraising.
Both clubs acknowledge the three decades of fundraising by former Fife Lake Hotel owners Lawson and Gail Harkness, who contributed more than $355,000 in 32 years, including $30,847.10 in their final year of running the annual Telemiracle auction.
“How brave these big thinkers were and how determined they were to forge through those early events to put the building blocks down for what Telemiracle is today,” said the Telemiracle 50 chair.
Assiniboia Kinette Raelynn Nicholson recently served as chair of the Kinsmen Foundation, leading provincial members to approve and distribute Telemiracle funding.
Assiniboia can be proud of its part in this 50-year history—from early planning to ongoing contributions. These clubs continue to excel in their community and in annual Telemiracle fundraising.
Stay tuned to the Telemiracle website and social media channels for updates on the 50th anniversary in 2026.
Check with your local Kinsmen, Kinette or Kin Club on how you can help or start a fundraiser using suggestions on the website—or create your own. And be ready to ring those phones and bells to celebrate this golden event.
