Spotlight on the TeleMiracle 46 Chairperson

The TeleMiracle telethon requires MANY people working together to make it happen. One of those people is the Chairperson of the TeleMiracle organizing committee.

A new Chairperson is selected every year, from the Kin members who have submitted an application. Once selected, that Chairperson invites people to fill each role on the Committee. That group of people will then serve as Shadow Committee for one year prior to becoming the primary organizing committee for one year.

This year’s organizing committee is led by Chair Steve Kirwan. We thought you might like to know a little more about him, so here are the answers to the questions we asked him.

Start of year

Q. What do you want to share about yourself?

A. I am just your average Saskatchewan person, grew up in rural SK. I love fishing, hunting and playing hockey, even though I’m not that good at any of it. It’s the opportunity to get out and enjoy nature or to have some fun with friends and family

Q. How long have you been in Kin and what made you decide to join a club?

A. I’ve been in Kin for 9 years now, I joined Kin because of TeleMiracle (TM) and the close-knit family bond you get being in the Kin Family

Q. What have been some of the highlights of your Kin “career”?

A. There are so many, but most recently I was the Governor for District 3 (SK) when we as a District won the national award – District of the year. I was also lucky enough to be on several TM committees including the record breaking 7.2-million-dollar TM42

Q. What would you say to someone who is thinking of joining Kin?

A. Reach out, get in touch with your local club, we are a welcoming hard-working family that truly loves to give back to their communities.

Q. What made you decide to sign up to be Chair?

A. TM has helped my sister and a family we are friends with. I have often said it is easier for me to give time than money, as often money is tight these days. I feel there is no joy more worth living than to know the fruits of your labor are going to directly change someone’s life for the better.

Q. What’s one thing you learned last year while being Shadow Chair?

A. That even though you have a plan, a set goal, there will always been uncontrollable events that will change the course of the year. This doesn’t mean it will change the outcome, but more how you get to the goal.

Q. What would you say to Kin who are thinking of being on the Committee?

A. If you are looking for hard work, long hours and little sleep, join a committee, but just know, it will change your life. You will be hooked and want forever to be a part of this amazing team.

Q. Anything you want to add?

A. I have been called unapproachable, someone who seldom shows emotions, but I will tell you this, I have not made it through a single TM finale that I have been on the committee without shedding a tear of joy. The pure joy of knowing the work, hours and struggles have all been worth it, all to better Saskatchewan’s lives.

 

End of year

Q. What was 1 to 3 of your top favourite things about your year as Chair?

A. Getting to bring my Kin family back to the show and have them enjoy themselves almost restriction free. Getting to be a part of a team that was able to put together a show in a new venue and have it be a success, this shows how versatile and hardworking the Kin of Saskatchewan can be.

Q. What’s something you learned?

A. To roll with the punches. This was a year of ever-changing requirements and COVID restrictions, but this never stopped the positivity or drive of the team as we had a goal to put on the best show we could raise as much money as we could for this great province.

Q. Now that you’ve been through the full year, what advice would you give to a Kin member thinking of signing up as Chair?

A. Take the step, with the tremendous backing and support of the Foundation office staff, fellow Kin, and all involved, it truly is an amazing experience. The workload is heavy, but it doesn’t feel like work when you love what you are doing.

Q. Anything else you want to add?

A. Thank you Saskatchewan! We as an organization planted a seed in 1976-77 with TeleMiracle 1. With your amazing support we have grown strong over the years and have been able to shelter and assist so many people. The support and hard work from all involved makes helping others feel so good.

 

To learn more about the TeleMiracle Committee CLICK HERE

To learn more about Kin and joining a local club CLICK HERE

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