Saskatchewan residents have over 5.5 million reasons to feel proud. 

Telemiracle 47 wrapped up on Sunday afternoon at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon with the 20-hour telethon raising $5,519,229, one of the larger totals in its long history and one that looks even more amazing as inflation and rising costs dominate everyday life. 

“You know, when you look at the economy and all the struggles we’re living with right now with the price of produce and groceries, I’m blown away,” said Scott Lamb, Committee Chair for Telemiracle 47. “I didn’t think $5.5 million was even a remote thing, and this province goes to show you that they give and give, and we’re helping our neighbours.” 

Since 1977, Telemiracle has raised over $158 million.

The final total is a culmination of a year’s work for Lamb and his committee, a weekend of hard work from the national cast, local talent and countless Kin volunteers on hand at the event, and the ongoing work for the staff and board members of the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation, who will use the money to help people in Saskatchewan who need access to mobility equipment and out-of-province medical care. 

“The committee fired on all cylinders, and you know what’s even better?” Lamb added. “The province of Saskatchewan did better than all of us. They showed up, they helped their neighbours and this is going to come right back to the communities that it came from. It’s truly amazing what the people of this province do, and we’re just blessed to live here. It’s what we do here... Vi-co, bunny hugs and Telemiracle.” 

The southwest had a strong presence at the event with Kinsmen and Kinette members from Swift Current, Gull Lake and Eastend volunteering. The Swift Current Kinettes made a presentation of $10,620 on Saturday night with the local Kinsmen making a presentation for $8,168.60. 

Swift Current’s Kylie Stock and the Central School Choir were also featured with performances on Sunday, and their fundraising totals along with those of the other local talent were matched by Nutrien up to $100,000. 

Telemiracle 48 will take place in Regina in 2024 on February 24 and 25.