Estevan February 2011

“It fills the gaps that our medical system doesn't reach,” said Elliott. “There are people who have to travel distances for any number of reasons. We never know what is going to happen in our lives or the lives of our families from one day to the next.”

Telemiracle is the annual 20-hour fundraiser organized by Saskatchewan's Kinsmen and Kinettes. This year's event - which is Telemiracle's 35th edition – will be March 5 and 6 in Saskatoon.

About 20 members of Estevan's Kinsmen and Kinettes clubs will travel to Saskatoon for the event. And they'll be joined by a few other local volunteers.

"Anybody who has been there once is usually hooked, and wants to make sure that they're there the following year," said Elliott. "My daughter went up last year – she's not a Kinette – but there's no way she'll ever miss it again."

Elliott is always pleased when young people, such as the children of local Kin members, volunteer at Telemiracle.

Estevan's Kinsmen and Kinettes traditionally volunteer in one of two areas. The first is as messengers – transporting or relaying people, food, money or pledges to their necessary destination.

Their other duty will be answering phones. Telemiracle viewers frequently see volunteers answering phones on the stage, particularly during "knock downs" – when each worker stands and waits to answer a phone and sit down, while entertainers and spectators chant "Ring those phones."

“What people don't see is that downstairs, there are two more huge banks of phones,” said Elliott. “When those phones start ringing, and they do during … a knock-down … the overflow of calls is incredible. The people downstairs are writing down the pledges just as fast as the people you see on stage.”

Each volunteer is asked to work at least two of possible four shifts during Telemiracle. “Each shift is always, of course, very busy,” said Elliott. “There's always a lot going on. It literally takes thousands of people to do this.”

Telemiracle will also feature several local performers. Former Midale resident Brad Johner has been part of the national entertainment cast for several years, and is a member of the "Telemiracle Family," Elliott said.

Alyssa Marr and Amanda Hayward of Carnduff and Rebecca Duncan of Estevan are among the Saskatchewan performers who will be part of Telemiracle.

"The more local entertainment that we can get up there and representing the southeast corner, the better off we are," said Elliott. "I'm hoping we'll have her (Rebecca) on during my shift."

Last year's Telemiracle raised a little more than $4 million, lifting the all-time total for the event to approximately $85 million. The money is directed to the Telemiracle Foundation, which provides assistance for a variety of medical needs for Saskatchewan people.

If people have to travel significant distances for medical reasons, either for themselves or their family, there can be a significant financial toll, Elliott said.

Telemiracle also assists people who are having surgeries that aren't covered by health care, Elliott said. He cited the example of a friend who lost 95 per cent of her hearing when she had meningitis as a child. Telemiracle covered the cost of a hearing implant, allowing the woman to regain her ability to listen as an adult.

The foundation also covers the costs of specialized equipment and other technology that will help improve the quality of life for others.

From a local perspective, Telemiracle was a strong supporter of Estevan's quest to obtain a renal dialysis unit for St. Joseph's Hospital in Estevan. The foundation donated more than $300,000 to fundraising efforts back in 2007.

“One of the reasons that this area was backed for dialysis by Telemiracle was that Telemiracle was assisting so many (local) people with their travel expenses (to Regina for dialysis),” said Elliott.

Other needs in the Estevan area have also received assistance from the Telemiracle Foundation in the last 34 years, Elliott said.

Local Kin members direct some money from their fundraising efforts throughout the year towards Telemiracle. And they will have a special event on March 4, the day before Telemiracle 35, when they host a steak night at the Days Inn.

A talented young Estevan resident is among the Saskatchewan entertainers who have been selected to perform at Telemiracle 35 in Saskatoon in March.

Six-year-old Rebecca Duncan is slated to sing at 12:45 p.m. on March 6. Rebecca's mother, Margaret Duncan, said that Rebecca will be singing ?Somewhere over the Rainbow,? which is one of Rebecca's favourite songs.

Rebecca auditioned in Regina in November to be a part of Telemiracle. The panel that selects the Saskatchewan entertainment really liked Rebecca's abilities, Margaret said, and Rebecca was selected.

Rebecca has previously performed at such events as the United Way of Estevan's telethon.

Margaret said that Rebecca is pretty excited about the opportunity to sing at Telemiracle. Rebecca hopes that lots of people will be watching, so that they can send in money and help others who need financial assistance.