The 44th edition of Telemiracle was officially launched Thursday in Regina.
The Queen City is to be the host city for the 2020 event, which is to be held March 7-8 at the Conexus Arts Centre.
All proceeds from the 20-hour telethon will stay in Saskatchewan and help pay for specialized medical and mobility equipment, as well as assistance with medical travel.
The Kinsmen Foundation said it expects to receive more than 1,000 applications for assistance from Saskatchewan residents.
“From the biggest cities to the smallest towns, Telemiracle brings the province together to help our friends and neighbours to improve their independence and quality of life,” Telemiracle 44 chairperson Jesse Shkuratoff said in a media release.
“Every year, Saskatchewan gives to Telemiracle from its heart and this year we need Saskatchewan’s help more than ever.”
The launch Thursday also featured the announcement of the national cast, which is to include returnees like Beverly Mahood, Brad Johner and Jeffery Straker. The Good Brothers and Toque are among the new acts this year.
Close to 80 acts from across the province also are to perform during the telethon while raising money for the cause. Nutrien is to match all money raised by Saskatchewan performers, up to a total of $150,000.
The weekend is to begin with Saskatchewan artists performing on Countdown to Telemiracle, which is to be streamed live on Telemiracle’s YouTube channel starting at 6:15 p.m., on March 7. The provincewide telecast is to begin on CTV at 9 p.m. on March 7 and run until 5 p.m. on March 8.
Admission to the Conexus Arts Centre to watch Telemiracle is free.