Yorkton area Kinsmen and Kinettes contributed more than $40,000 to the 37th Annual Telemiracle campaign last week.

Province-wide the event, which culminated with a TV telethon broadcast from Saskatoon’s TCU place March 2 and 3, raised more than $5.5 million to assist Saskatchewan people to acquire special needs equipment and access to medical treatment.

The local Kinsmen club pulled together a total of $29,157 from a variety of sources including the Town of Churchbridge Telemiracle Cabaret ($1,458), MC Knoll School Survivor Day ($4,047), St. Theodore School students ($2,148), Sacred Heart High School ($2,382), Yorkton Terriers pass-the-bucket nights ($1,271), Foam Lake Seniors Centre ($1,623), Pockets Billiards and Sports Bar Steak Night ($1,375) and Harold Wilkinson ($1,000).

Many other businesses, schools, organizations and individuals also contributed to the cause. The Kinsmen said they were grateful to be able to represent all of the Yorkton area at the Telemiracle event.

“We truly appreciate everyone’s support of this great Saskatchewan tradition and look forward to making the number go higher in years to come,” said Kinsmen David Johnson.

The Kinettes held their fifth annual Catch and Release event to raise $12,067. The popular event involves kidnapping prominent Yorktonites and taking them to Parkland Mall where they raise pledges in order to be released.

“A huge thanks to all the good sports in Yorkton who let themselves get caught,” said Kinette Stephanie Dreger.

Lawrence Klemetski said the key to the success of Telemiracle “FUNdraising” is fun.

“That’s what we do,” he said. “Have fun raising money for those who need support in our province.”