La Ronge February 2011

Written byValerie G. Barnes- Connel, the following was published in the La Ronge Northern:

Margaret Simpson plans to raise $50,000 for TeleMiracle from across northern Saskatchewan. She chose the fi gure because she will celebrate her 50th birthday on March 4, the day before TeleMiracle.

When her daughter Stephanie, 9, was 15 months old and needed out-ofprovince doctoring, the funds raised for TeleMiracle were there to help out, Simpson wants to support TeleMiracle to help other children.

The 35th TeleMiracle, the Kinsmen annual telethon, will be held in Saskatoon March 5 and 6.

Simpson spoke with The Northerner about her project, after her performance at Conexus Credit Union in conjunction with a chili lunch, with proceeds going to TeleMiracle, and the appearance of Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League president Laury Ryan and the Credit Union Cup along with members of the La Ronge Ice Wolves hockey team, the team that won the cup last year.

“My project is not a payback, it’s a pay-it-forward, meaning – my voice is my gift and if my gift is my voice I can hopefully inspire people to give money so my goal is $50,000 for my 50th. So it’s a numbers game.”

Simpson doesn’t know which day she will be performing as yet, but she also invited Karis Oscienny and her mother, Lisa, to “come on stage with me to present the money from the north.”

Although there have been others in past years, as far as she knows, Simpson is the only performer appearing on TeleMiracle from the north this year.

“I want to make it big for the north.”

Simpson has 3200 TeleMiracle Helping Hands people can buy for $1 each.

They can also donate by mail, e-mail or through Facebook. Anyone donating more than $10 is eligible to receive an income tax receipt for their donation.

People have come up with ideas to support Simpson with her goal, but “I’m open to any ideas.”

Someone is planning to do exercises for pledges. Simpson is open to singing at events for pledges.

Simpson, a choice of her husband Jeff, will sing “Let’s Go Higher,” a song by Jonny Reid.

“He inspires me with his music as he’s a very down to earth, generous performer.”

She sang the song during her TeleMiracle audition and “they were sure impressed because they are always calling “Ring those phones, go higher.”

Simpson, who works at the La Ronge Medical Clinic as a specialist co-ordinator, and has lived in the area since 1972. She travelled with a group, Continental Singers in the early 90s. She also had her own business, Music by Margaret through which she provided entertainment. She has boxes around town at such places as the Credit Union and the Post Office, for people to make donations.

She can be reached at 425-2819

Valerie G. Barnes- Connell