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Editorial - Annual fundraiser continues to be major success

The 43rd edition of Telemiracle has come and gone, and once again the people of this province have shown huge support for the annual tele-a-thon fundraiser. This year’s event wrapped up Sunday at TCU Place in Saskatoon after raising $5,619,214.

The 43rd edition of Telemiracle has come and gone, and once again the people of this province have shown huge support for the annual tele-a-thon fundraiser.

This year’s event wrapped up Sunday at TCU Place in Saskatoon after raising $5,619,214.

For those of us old enough to remember back to the early years of the Kinsmen and Kinettes created event we were amazed when it hit the $1 million plateau, based largely on the fact it was raised in a province that at that time had a population of less than one million people.

But seven-figure totals became the norm.

The first telethon in 1977 raised more than $1 million and then passed the $2 million mark for the first time in 1983.

Last year saw the event set a record of $7,151,256.

But support has been easy because the dollars raised help others in our province. Money raised goes towards the Kinsmen Telemiracle foundation, which provides special needs equipment, access to medical assistance and support to people in Saskatchewan.

With a respected organization supporting good projects Telemiracle now garners support for weeks leading up to the actual tele-a-thon, and that has helped grow the annual amount raised.

For example, the Saskatchewan Rush professional lacrosse team played in Saskatoon Saturday, and the game became an opportunity for fans to help support Telemiracle. Sunday the Rush presented $29,750.

And communities large and small play their part.

The Norquay Kin Club presented a cheque for $57,820.

While the Kinsmen Club of Yorkton were on-hand to present a cheque for $36,783.

The legacy of Telemiracle is one of volunteers working to raise dollars to help those who need just a little extra help to be comfortable in Saskatchewan. The 20-hour telethon has raised more than $128 million dollars over the last 43 years, which is more money-per-capita than any other telethon in the world.

We can be proud of what we have accomplished, but more pride should be taken in the good work the money has allowed. A big hats off to the Kinsmen and Kinettes for all Telemiracle has accomplished.