SASKATOON—Terri Troupe-Logue grew up in a family that is passionate about giving back to the community, and that environment of volunteerism she saw from her parents is what she and her husband, Adam, passing on to their three kids—Carina, Adam and Adrian. That’s why the Birch Hills, Saskatchewan-born educator was ecstatic to be the Telemiracle 49 chair.
Troupe-Logue, a sixth-grade teacher at Martensville’s Lake Vista School, said she came from a Girl Guiding family after her mom was a Girl Guides of Canada leader while she and her sister were members of the Toronto-based association, and their brother was a Boy Scout.
“We experienced volunteerism at a young age. Growing up, I was always in awe of my parents having the time to volunteer, yet they still had the time for us—my sister and brother—to do what we wanted. Seeing what they do inspired me, and I wanted to do the same for our kids. They need to see us giving back to the community,” Troupe-Logoue told SASKTODAY.
“We’re busy, but we always have time for other people, not just our family, but also time for others, which is important. I have been in Kinette’s for 15 years and have been on the Board of Directors for five. I have had the chance to meet the recipients and help them receive the funding from TeleMiracle.”
The 20-hour telethon, which started at 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, raised $5,708,306 after the phone lines closed at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 2. This brings the total to $171,137,369 since the annual fundraising event in the province began in 1977. TeleMiracle 46 holds the record of raising $8,002,722.
Despite its estimated population of almost 1.4 million, Saskatchewan has generous residents. Elementary school children and seniors hold fundraising events, such as lemonade stands, selling hotdogs, candies, artwork, having steak night, and donating to the Kinsmen Foundation.
Troupe-Logue acknowledged all the over 400 volunteers who worked behind the scenes, from planning this year’s event, which started by shadowing TeleMiracle 48 chair Tyler Hall for the Feb. 24 and 25 show in 2024.
“We also have the producers, production team, and other volunteers that come in to make the show the success that it is. We have a current committee and chair and a shadow committee and chair. For 49, as a current chair and committee, we were the shadow committee for TeleMiracle 48 last year. This year, for 49, we have a shadow committee for TeleMiracle 50 that is shadowing me and our committee for next year. It’s a well-oiled machine that keeps on rolling,” she added.
Kinsmen Foundation Board Chair Jordan Kammer said the TeleMiracle is the foundation’s only annual fundraising event. Affiliate clubs, community organizations, and groups hold their own for the entire year. The foundation kicks things off in January every year and culminates with the TeleMiracle weekend, where live performances are held while volunteers answer the phones.
“It is our only fundraiser for the year to help us grant the gifts and help the people of Saskatchewan. How can we help our applicants best by providing financial support? If you must travel, the last thing you want to worry about is how you will get to Edmonton or Calgary. Suppose we can help you with that, help you get there, provide some meals, and help you cover accommodations for you [and] your family. In that case, we typically cover one support person—if we can help you, provide a support person to help you through that medical journey. On the other side is equipment, whether a walker, a scooter, a lift chair, or a VPL- vertical platform lift in the video we have for Kim. If we can help provide some financial support in purchasing this equipment, once again, it alleviates that financial stress regarding whatever that medical journey is,” said Kammer.
All proceeds help Saskatchewan residents with mobility issues with special equipment—like ceiling track systems, portable lifts, ramps, wheelchairs, and scooters for older people—and travel assistance for medical treatment. The Kinsmen Foundation funds these needs, and anyone from Saskatchewan, including the border communities in Lloydminster and Flin Flon, who is a citizen or permanent resident with a valid Saskatchewan Health Card can apply for funding.