The Melfort Kinsmen and Kinettes contributed $25,207.66 towards the final total for TeleMiracle this year. (Submitted photo/Angie Rolheiser)
Record breaking TeleMiracle

Representing the northeast at TeleMiracle 46

Mar 7, 2022 | 5:00 PM

TeleMiracle was this past weekend and the Melfort Kin Clubs brought their A-game.

With a grand total of $8,002,722 raised, Kinsmen, Kinettes, talent, volunteers and viewers from across the province rejoiced knowing they are helping families.

Angie Rolheiser, TeleMiracle’s Facebook Live Host and member of the Melfort Kinettes, told northeastNOW that there isn’t a way to describe how meaningful and exciting the event truly is.

“When you are getting ready for TeleMiracle, it’s exciting. But it doesn’t set in until you’re there. Then the feeling of being there overcomes you and you’re on a high all weekend.”

The Melfort Kin groups are known for working the full four shifts at the event. This year due to COVID-19 restrictions, Melfort did not do overnight shifts but that didn’t stop the club from celebrating TeleMiracle.

“I’m pretty certain nobody slept. By the time you get back to the hotel settle in, it’s good for a foot rest. Then we’re back at it by six in the morning.”

This was Rolheiser’s first year being on the social media team instead of the phone team. She explained how both roles showcase the teamwork it takes to make TeleMiracle a success.

“The energy is second to none. You get to hang with your group the whole time. But I was actually selected to be the Facebook Live host, So my thoughts going in were what are the other areas of TeleMiracle?”

(TeleMiracle/Facebook)

The Facebook Lives featured the behind the scenes of Saskatchewan’s biggest fundraiser and profiles of those who make the magic happen.

“I spoke to Gord Barnett. He has worked every TeleMiracle but the first one. He has done camera work for TeleMiracle for 45 years. So it’s just incredible to see all these different moving parts.”

(Facebook/Telemiracle)

This year was a record-breaking amount for TeleMiracle and the Melfort Kinsmen and Kinettes helped to raise $25,207.66 towards the final total.

Rolheiser recalled the moment that the single largest donation was made.

“At 3:30 in the afternoon, there was that bequest of nearly $1.8 million and there wasn’t a dry eye in that room,” Rolheiser added. “I don’t think there was. I think it’d be safe to say that there weren’t many dry eyes in the province when that came in because that was just unreal.”

With the excitement of the event lingering across the province, Rolheiser said joining a Kinsmen and Kinettes organization is a great opportunity.

“You get to be part of all of this. It’s not an opportunity that comes around all the time. It’s an unbeatable experience.”

Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM

View Comments