Since 1982, the College of Agriculture and Bioresources (AgBio) at the University of Saskatchewan have participated in the Bedpush fundraiser for TeleMiracle. This fundraiser has brought together the Agricultural Students Association (the Agros) and Saskatchewan Agricultural Graduates Association (SAGA). It has roots in Saskatchewan and has grown year-after-year. During the first Bedpush $7,500 was raised; today, the total read at TeleMiracle 50 was $135,400. Over 45 years the Agros have raised more than $1,000,000 for TeleMiracle.
What is Bedpush?
Bedpush was originated by the Agricultural Students Association (the Agros) in 1982. Â It involves pushing a metal bed frame with a painted plywood sheet featuring the Agros logo on bike wheels from Saskatoon to Regina biannually. While the Agros push the bed from one community to the next they also collect donations. Those driving by on Highway 11 can stop and donate to support the Agros campaign for TeleMiracle. Every time Bedpush is held, a different fundraising goal is set based on the previous campaign.
By the Saturday evening of TeleMiracle the Agros arrive and make their on-air presentation, letting Saskatchewan know how much they have raised for the Kinsmen Foundation.
The Beginning
The College of Agriculture and Bioresources was already an active fundraiser for TeleMiracle prior to the Bedpush. The college, however, wanted to raise the profile of their fundraising in the province.
What began as a crazy thought turned into a considerable option to fundraise for TeleMiracle in a significant way. Mayon Maerz, one of the Agros involved in starting Bedpush, confirmed that it was the Ag Mechanic lab instructor, Grant Milne at the College who suggested pushing a bed across the province. When this was brought before the Agros Executive Council, they fully agreed to support this and thus began the tradition of the Agros Bedpush fundraiser.
With all on board, a used bed frame was purchased from Rose’s Furniture and Auction on Avenue B in Saskatoon. The price of the frame was only $25 at the time. Shortly after, they purchased 10 speed bikes from Joe’s Cycle, took them apart and welded them to the bed frame. A headboard and footboard were added to the bed as well as steerable forks and a rigid plywood mattress. To customize the bed, the Agros spraypainted the frame royal blue to match the college colour. Maerz, jokingly noted on the bed colour, “we were off.”
How has Bedpush evolved?
Over the years, Bedpush has evolved in several ways. A key adjustment included involving businesses as sponsors and receiving donations from families and individuals across the province in the lead up to the Bedpush. Donations can be made via an online donation portal through the TeleMiracle website and through various offsite fundraisers.
In 2018, Bedpush evolved to include alumni in the run. 2020 saw three generations pushing the bed at one time. Extending this invitation has rallied a wider community around the fundraiser and created opportunities for past students to reconnect and intermingle with current students.
The route has changed at times based on the group or circumstance. Most often the trek is made from Saskatoon to Regina, leaving from the University of Saskatchewan. In 1983, the route was adjusted to start at Moose Jaw, head up through Regina and back down to Saskatoon in hopes of raising more funds. This crew was successful in their fundraising! For the 50th year, TeleMiracle was held in Saskatoon, so the journey began at Regina.
Another key update was to the bed itself. Every year the bed is inspected to ensure it is ready for the trip. 20 years ago, the bed was reconstructed with the same frame to handle all Saskatchewan terrain.
A Lasting Legacy
What started as a humble fundraiser in 1982 has turned into a regular biannual tradition. It’s a tradition that has only grown bigger. Year-after-year viewers tune into TeleMiracle to see the Agros success. The bed making its way across Highway 11 is something you need to see at least once in your life. With it opening to Agros alumni to push the bed in 2018, deeper connections continue to be made between students past and present, expanding this fundraiser further in the province and country.
Lorne Hadley, one of the Agros involved in starting Bedpush, explained how the benefit of doing this fundraiser is trust. That this is truly a Saskatchewan thing.
There is no better way to describe it, Saskatchewan has rallied around this fundraiser for years, creating a trustworthy legacy that continues to improve the lives of its residents.
The relationship between the Agros and TeleMiracle is one that continues to grow. Every year, the Agros bring more excitement to serving their community and to the Bedpush itself. Mayson Maerz notes, “we had no idea the Bedpush would continue on, and thrive as it has, and it is due to the commitment of the new Agros.”
Where do the funds from TeleMiracle go?
TeleMiracle is a fundraiser for the Kinsmen Foundation. Funds are distributed by the Kinsmen Foundation to provide specialized mobility and medical equipment to people throughout the province, as well as travel assistance for residents in need of vital medical treatment outside of their home community. The vision of the Kinsmen Foundation is to create a Saskatchewan where disability or illness does not limit an individual’s quality of life.
The Agros support ensures that Saskatchewan residents receive the medical support they need.
We’d like to thank the University of Saskatchewan Agros for their many years of support for TeleMiracle and celebrate the exciting future that lies ahead!
Sources:
- https://www.620ckrm.com/2026/02/26/watch-for-bed-on-hw11-as-agros-push-for-telemiracle-50/
- https://news.usask.ca/articles/students/2026/usask-agros-bedpush-raises-more-than-135,000-for-telemiracle.php
- https://www.sasktoday.ca/highlights/tradition-and-dedication-highlights-u-of-s-agros-42nd-telemiracle-bed-push-8213370
The Kinsmen Foundation exists year-round, granting applicants access to special needs and/or mobility equipment as well as medical travel assistance.
Despite only having a population of around 1.2 million people, the generous residents of the province have helped us raise over $181 million since 1977.
