By Telemiracle Foundation

Where are we going? HIGHER

TeleMiracle turns 45 this year amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Feb 5, 2021 | 10:18 AM

TeleMiracle turns 45 this year amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Growing up in Saskatchewan, TeleMiracle has been a part of prairie life and an incredible fundraiser providing tens of millions of dollars to bring help and hope to the province.

As all people in Saskatchewan have had to do, the Foundation has adapted to the new circumstances COVID-19 has presented and were looking for additional ways to connect with a new generation and the folks who grew up ‘ringing those phones’.

EchoLotto Inc. turns three this year, but co-founder and CEO Paul Burch doesn’t remember a world without TeleMiracle and could not be more excited that his Regina born company is able to work with the Foundation on this exciting fundraising initiative.

“Our software was born here, lives here on SaskTel servers, and we’re excited to work with the Kinsmen Foundation on a Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority licensed online 50-50,” says Burch.

“If you watched the Edmonton Oilers playoffs, the Raptors Playoffs, or the World Junior Hockey games on TV and were hoping for an opportunity to participate in a 50-50 raffle of that magnitude – you’re in luck. This raffle has been licensed to sell up to $7,500,000 and is running province wide leading up to the TeleMiracle telethon weekend. The winner will be announced during the “Countdown to TeleMiracle” pre-show, and with the pot already well over $75,000 there’s a great chance we’re watching Saskatchewan history in the making.”

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“Online raffles are a bit of a different beast,” says Burch, “You’d be surprised to know all of the rules that SLGA puts in place to ensure they are run safely. It can be frustrating at times for consumers and the charities – but we’re working to make it as easy as possible to support the charities in your area.”

One of those rules is a limit on the number of tickets sold for an event, and set volumes for ticket packages. What does this mean for TeleMiracle5050.ca?

“Well – We’ve limited the total number of tickets to 1,000,000. With ticket pricing set at 1 for $20, 5 for $50, 20 for $100 and 100 for $250 – it means there are a limited number of the multi-priced packages available. The old saying is that it just takes one ticket to win, but people who buy early are able to get a better deal – but whatever package you buy, your odds are going to be better than a raffle with limitless tickets for sale.”

Ticket sales are also limited to Saskatchewan – you don’t need to be a resident, but you do need to be in Saskatchewan to buy online. “Our software has a Geo-Fence that restricts purchases from outside of the province,” explains Burch. “The downside to this geo-fence is that if we can’t locate you, we can’t sell you a ticket. However – if you’re having trouble turning on your location services or getting an accurate read – you can call the number on the website to buy tickets over the phone from the good folks at the Kinsmen Foundation.“

“With COVID-19 impacting many traditional forms of fundraising, we’re very pleased to be working with a Saskatchewan-based company on this new 50/50 raffle,” says Richard Kies, Executive Director of the Kinsmen Foundation. “The timing was right and it’s a win-win for ticket buyers – support TeleMiracle and have the chance to win half the jackpot.

“Its an exciting thing to be a part of,” says Burch, “I grew up watching the TeleMiracle totals being posted on TV – and now we can watch the total for their 50-50 go up in real time, with people all over the province being able to buy tickets right from their phone. TeleMiracle has helped so many people over the years and I think this raffle leading up to the Telethon is going to be a great addition to their long-standing traditions!

“I love 50-50’s because you get to donate to a great cause and you have a chance to win a prize. Whether you win the prize or not – you’ve donated to an amazing charity and that’s a win.”

With TeleMiracle5050.ca currently over $75,000 with three weeks to go, the question is:

Where are we going to go? Everyone knows that answer: HIGHER!