Local artist Zipporah is set to perform at this year's TeleMiracle. (Facebook/LAB Soundworks)

By Elliott Knopp

TeleMiracle Meadow Lake

Local musician ready for spotlight at fundraising telethon

Dec 2, 2020 | 6:02 PM

In an event that showcases homegrown talent to raise money for people in need, one local artist is preparing herself for what she describes as her most significant performance to date.

Twenty-one-year-old Zipporah Pancho, better known as Zipporah, is one of 75 Saskatchewan artists set to hit the stage for TeleMiracle 45 in late February. She, along with the other performers, will entertain a virtual audience for 20 consecutive hours to raise money for the Kinsmen Foundation.

Proceeds from the event will be used to help people by supplying individuals and organizations with specialized mobility and medical equipment. The organization will also provide residents in need of urgent medical treatments outside of their community with travel assistance.

Over the last 40 years, the TeleMiracle fundraiser has raised over $134 million in donations with last year’s event collecting more than $5.5 million.

Pancho said when she first heard about the event, she jumped on the opportunity to showcase her talent to support the cause to help less fortunate people in her community. She believes this year’s event will have a more significant impact due to the current public health concerns and economic climate.

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“I feel honoured that I can be a part of this cause to help people improve their quality of life, especially with the ongoing pandemic,” Pancho said.

“Some members of the community are facing financial depression as the pandemic hinders people from seeking job opportunities and income sources. TeleMiracle is a time the community will work as one to reach out and help one another. I am grateful to be allowed to use my talent as an instrument in this cause, and I encourage everyone to join hands and be a part of this cause.”

Pancho said she appreciates she was chosen to participate in the fundraiser and have the opportunity make a difference in the community while doing what she loves. While she is excited to hit the stage when the day comes, she mentioned she is receiving a lot of support from her biggest fans, her family and friends.

“They are all really supportive and proud of me. Since my first performance at school, they have always been there. Now, they are all looking forward to see me performing in the TeleMiracle,” she said.

Pancho is scheduled to perform in the “Countdown to TeleMiracle” live stream available on TeleMiracle’s website and YouTube channel.

The 45^th annual TeleMiracle is set to run on Saturday, February 27 at 9 p.m., wrapping up at 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 28.

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Elliott.Knopp@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp