The Sturgis Mini-Miracle continued its tradition of helping others on March 5 when the Sturgis Kin Club hosted its 40th annual Mini-Miracle.
The event raised over $28,000 this yearthrough a combined effort of support from surrounding communities and the Sturgis and Preeceville schools.
"Throughout the past 39 years the Sturgis Kinsmen have raised $918,000 for KinsmenTelemiracle which started in 1977," said Daniel Wasylenchuk, chair of Mini-Miracle.
Members who traveled to Telemiracle at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina on March 8 were: Teniel Larson, Ashten Langille, Chelsey Kurytnik, Katherine Walker, Janet Roelens, Rhonda Olson, Cheryl Walker, Lecia Chalupiak and Sheila Klebeck.
The money was raised through the Kinsmen Mini-Miracle radiothon and the continued support from the surrounding communities, organizers said. The Preeceville Hospital bed push raised $9,924;Sturgis Elementary School, $4,708 and the Preeceville School, $1,000.
The miracle marathon, a joint venture by the Sturgis Composite High School and Kin club membersraised $2,800.
Upon the arrival of the Preeceville Hospital bed push approximately four hours later in Sturgis, the group presented a cheque to the Sturgis annual Mini-Miracle committee during the annual Mini-Miracle program.
The Sturgis Kin Club miracle marathon was a combined effort of Sturgis Composite School students, staff and Kinsmen members.
The Sturgis Kinsmen and Kinettes Mini-Miracle began in 1981 and started as a talent program and radiothon fundraiser for Telemiracle. It raised only $8,000 but eventually the talent contest portion was dropped. Various events from surrounding communities were held to make the Sturgis Mini-Miracle the success it is today, said the program.
Daniel Wasylenchuk, Kin Club president, kicked off the live broadcast program by extending a warm welcome on behalf of the Kin Club.
The Good Spirit School Division senior band under the direction of Nathan Seghers played numerous musical selections.
The Sturgis Elementary School choir, under direction of Carla Olson and Sherry Lesser entertained the audience and made a presentation for $4,708. The students raised the money through a skate-a-thon.
Other entertainers for the evening were: Thomas Hazlett (GX-94 Star Search winner), Cassandra Danyluk of Canora; Simon Hansen of Preeceville; Chris Fisher of Yorkton; Sherry Lesser of Lintlaw; Laura Davis of Sturgis and Jesse Genaille of Swan River.
A silent auction of two bags of Canola seed that was donated by Troy Moroz and Darrell Nelson of DuPont Pioneer of Pelly also helped to generate donations.
Telemiracle Teddy made an appearance much to the delight of the many children in attendance.
