People across the province stepped up once again to help Saskatchewan’s favourite telethon.
Over the span of 20 hours, Telemiracle 41 raised a total of $5,000,274.
The money goes to the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation, which supports people and groups in Saskatchewan by providing special needs equipment and access to medical assistance.
For Donovan McAlpine, the cause is personal.
The 29-year-old has continued to support Telemiracle each year after proceeds from the event helped him receive an ultra-light wheelchair at the age of six.
“It was a really awesome wheelchair,” he said. “It’s a really worthy cause.”
Among those returning each year is Colleen Philipoe, who works at Sherbrooke Community Centre in Saskatoon.
“Many of our elders have benefitted, individually getting different pieces of equipment,” she said. “One of our buses was also bought by Telemiracle, so they’ve been so helpful over the years.”
Telemiracle 41 was held at TCU Place in Saskatoon. Each year the event alternates host cities with Regina.
In 2016, the telethon raised $5.2 million. The all-time record is $5.9 million set in 2012.
Telemiracle is run by 1,200 Kinsmen, Kinettes and CTV production volunteers.
Donations can still be made on the Telemiracle website.
– With files from 650 CKOM’s JT Marshall.