The Kinsmen Foundation’s 49th annual TeleMiracle fundraiser is months away, but there is news coming from one of Saskatchewan’s longest running televised events with the announcement of this year’s cast.
There are many familiar faces making a return, including Moose Jaw’s own Lisa Franks, who is making her third appearance as part of the cast.
“I will be part of the cast for the actual live show, so I'm going to be one of the people up on stage and introducing them to the wonderful musical talent, interviewing the people that have raised money and being the segue for some of those great little video montages that show some of the people that have benefited from TeleMiracle funding.” explained Franks.
“That's going to be like the big finale. And then the week leading up to TeleMiracle will be going around to different businesses and residences and things like that throughout Saskatchewan that have either really done a lot of fundraising or TeleMiracle or are also recipients of some of the funding.”
Franks spoke about what being a part of TeleMiracle means to her.
“I travel a lot and it's so nice to be able to say that just got to and helping support our own people and really when it comes to mobility aids and travel and stuff for medical (needs) there's just nowhere else to turn,”
“So just being able to see all the residents of Saskatchewan come together and recognize that and support each other. I think that's just the biggest part for me is that, you know, we're neighbors helping our neighbors.”
Joining Franks in the 49th iteration of TeleMiracle is another Moose Jaw resident, Shailynn Taylor, making her first appearance as a cast member. Like Franks, Taylor has been a recipient of TeleMiracle’s support throughout her life as she battles Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Taylor has since turned her experience into a passion for speaking out as a disability advocate and motivational speaker. She holds a degree in criminal justice and sociology and has recently brought her knowledge and abilities back to her hometown.
“I'm very excited to get to use my career to give back to an organization that's given so much to me. Over the years growing up in Moose Jaw, TeleMiracle helped to purchase two wheelchair accessible vehicles and two different wheelchairs.”
“Over the years, my wheelchairs cost approximately $40,000, with all the adaptations that I need. Without TeleMiracle, that would be required to come out of pocket. It's very exciting for me to be able to give back to an organization, that from first-hand experience, shows how beneficial their support is.”’
Taylor is excited to take on her role as a cast member and shares what her contribution to the show will be.
“I'm going to be starting a new role this year called Social Media Host, and so we're really trying to bring the younger generation into TeleMiracle by live streaming on Instagram and Facebook and the TeleMiracle website instead of just having the live on-air production.”
“I will be providing behind the scenes glimpses into what goes into having a production like TeleMiracle, some of the different families that support and really just forming a link between the TV broadcast and on-air. So, I will be both on air, on TV, but then also broadcasting live through social media.”
TeleMiracle is an annual Telethon held in support of the Kinsmen Foundation, the funds raised provide support to the people of Saskatchewan that require special needs equipment, as well as travel assistance for those needing to leave their community to access life-saving medical treatment. Funding is also given to health foundations and institutions to purchase new, specialized or innovative equipment to improve our province’s healthcare.
Since its inception in 1977 over $165 million has been raised thanks to the support of Saskatchewan residents.