Eight-year-old Eden Stanko of Churchbridge is fundraising this year to make a donation to TeleMiracle, inspired by the generosity and legacy of her late great-grandparents, Gordon and Myrtle Ford of Maple Creek.

Eden said her love for TeleMiracle comes from knowing the impact it has on people. “I love TeleMiracle because it helps Saskatchewan people,” she said.

Her motivation to start fundraising is deeply personal. Gordon and Myrtle Ford were long-time supporters of the Kinsmen Foundation and made a significant donation through the Planned Giving program when they passed away in 2017 and 2018.

“Well, just watching it with all the young people going on kind of inspired me and I thought I want to go on there,” Eden said. “My great-grandparents died and I went on TeleMiracle when I was a baby, so this isn’t my first time going on it, but I’m hoping I’m going to be able to remember this one. My grandparents inspired me when they did their donation, it made me also want to help.”

TeleMiracle will be held February 28th and March 1st this year, and Eden is eagerly counting down the days. “I’m really excited for the event to see all the people backstage, and especially the mascot,” she said.

To raise funds, Eden has taken on several creative initiatives. She sold Helping Hands, set up a swear jar, placed a donation jar at BB’s (B&B Variety Store) in Churchbridge, donated money from bottle recycling, and received support from family members. She also sold lemonade and looms to contribute to her fundraising goal. Eden would like to thank Churchbridge residents and surrounding areas for supporting her through donations. “Everyone helped me a lot,” she said.

Eden hopes her efforts will encourage other children to get involved. “All those other kids inspired me, and now I want to inspire other people,” she said. She added that helping others is important to her because “it’s a kind thing to do and it helps the world grow. It helps people in Saskatchewan.”

She also wanted to give special recognition to another family member. “There’s one person that I hope is gonna read this. It’s my grandpa,” Eden said. “He donated for his Stanko family Christmas donation and from winning his bets, and he did a lot for me, so thank you so much Grandpa Dave.”

Eden’s inspiration comes from the remarkable lives of her great-grandparents, Gordon and Myrtle Ford. The couple spent most of their married life ranching north of Maple Creek, where they raised their family of one son and three daughters.

Known for their humility and generosity, Gordon and Myrtle were active members of various local clubs and organizations. They worked tirelessly to raise funds whenever there was a need, and their kindness extended not only to people but also to animals. Their farmyard became a refuge for deer, burrowing owls, doves, cats and many other animals in need of care.

TeleMiracle held a special place in their hearts, reflected by their collection of approximately 15 TeleMiracle teddy bears. They celebrated 60 years of marriage on January 9, 2017, before Gordon passed away in August of that year. Myrtle followed in March of 2018.

TeleMiracle thanked Gordon and Myrtle Ford for their planned gift of $500,000 that Eden helped present as a baby, a contribution that continues to make a lasting difference across Saskatchewan.

Through her fundraising efforts, Eden is proudly carrying on her great-grandparents’ legacy of kindness and generosity, proving that even the youngest community members can make a meaningful impact.