Gord Barnett behind the camera during Telemiracle 15 in 1991 in Saskatoon. (Submitted photo/ Gord Barnett)

By Kenneth Cheung

"A PART OF SASKATCHEWAN'S DNA"

Over four decades of dedication: Sask. cameraman Gord Barnett at the heart of TeleMiracle

Feb 20, 2025 | 5:00 PM

Since TeleMiracle 2 in 1978, Gord Barnett has been a steadfast part of Saskatchewan’s beloved 20-hour telethon.

The retired cameraman from Prince Albert now lives in Ontario, but still makes a special trip back to the province each year to be part of the production crew. He said the annual cross-country trek is well worth it for an event that’s become as much a lifeline for those in need as it is a celebration of community spirit and tradition.

“TeleMiracle has become part of Saskatchewan’s DNA. It’s an annual event, like Christmas or Canada Day,” Barnett said.

The iconic telethon, organized by the Kinsmen and Kinette clubs since 1977, has raised over $165 million to support the Kinsmen Foundation. The funds provide medical equipment and travel assistance for medical treatment to residents across the province.

Barnett’s involvement began with a desire to expand his television production experience. In the early days of the show, he was working for a television station in Prince Albert, eager to move from the control room to the camera floor.

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“For someone working at a smaller station, it was an incredible chance to be part of something bigger.”

Barnett working with a cable puller during TeleMiracle 29. (Submitted photo/ Gord Barnett)

This year marks TeleMiracle’s 49th anniversary. Featuring 80 local artists, it will be broadcast live on CTV Saskatchewan March 1 to 2 from Saskatoon’s Prairieland Park, with online streaming available for donations.

Over the past decades, Barnett has watched the show evolve from its early days of national and international celebrity hosts to a stronger focus on Saskatchewan talent. Today, familiar musicians like Jeffery Straker and Brad Johner have taken the lead, which Barnett believes reflects the province’s pride and trust in the event.

That deep connection also shows in the creative ways people raise money — from school bake sales to the University of Saskatchewan’s legendary bed push, where students roll a bed on wheels from Saskatoon to Regina to collect donations along the way.

“There are so many unique ideas out there,” Barnett said. “It speaks to the absolute trust people have in TeleMiracle and the Kinsmen Foundation. They know where the money goes, and that’s what makes this telethon special.”

For Barnett, the memories gathered over the years are as precious as the funds raised. From working with bands on stage to spontaneous moments that made the long hours enjoyable, he recalled meeting Canadian rock band Streetheart — a thrilling experience for him.

“You never get a chance like that to just hang out with a national band,” he said.

A big family

But beyond the excitement, what’s kept Barnett returning year after year is the camaraderie of the production team.

“It’s almost like a family,” he said. “You look forward to not just working the telethon but getting together with people who’ve become your friends, working all those shifts together. That’s what keeps me coming back.”

Barnett during the countdown to go on the air during TeleMiracle 40.(Submitted photo/ Gord Barnett)

That family-like atmosphere is something Adrienne Fedorowich, one of TeleMiracle’s producers, knows well.

“We have this little thing in the TeleMiracle world — once you’ve come to your first telethon and seen what goes on behind the scenes, you’ve ‘drunk the Kool-Aid,’” Fedorowich said, describing the infectious enthusiasm of the event.

“It gives you this sense of wonder to be part of something so amazing within our province. The veteran volunteers come back because they want to, because they’re valued and treated well.”

Fedorowich started as a production volunteer nearly 15 years ago and worked her way up to coordinating and now producing the massive annual event. Like Barnett, she was hooked from her first experience and is still drawn in by that same magic.

“To be part of this organization and be the producer of TeleMiracle 49 is something I never dreamed I’d be able to do,” she said.

Barnett’s recognition from TeleMiracle in 2022.(Submitted photo/ Gord Barnett)

When asked about Barnett’s impact, Fedorowich’s admiration was clear.

“He’s the kind of guy who makes you want to keep coming back,” she said. “His dedication, his kindness, and the way he treats everyone — it sets the tone for the whole team.”

Barnett(Left) held the camera on stage during Telemiracle 39. (Submitted photo/ Gord Barnett)

As TeleMiracle 49 approaches, the dedication of volunteers like Barnett and Fedorowich stands as a powerful reminder of what community can achieve — and why, year after year, people keep coming back.

“It’s a telethon that’s uniquely Saskatchewan,” she added. “There are people who raise money for TeleMiracle all year long. It’s literally part of life here.”

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com