Katelyn & Morris

The story begins with Katelyn Roberts and Dr. Morris Markentin, two relentless individuals who defied skeptics to establish Saskatchewan's first HIV hospice. Katelyn, a former HIV case manager, pitched the idea to Dr. Markentin years ago over a meal at their favourite Vietnamese restaurant in Saskatoon. Their vision was to shift the focus from reactive to proactive care, providing preventative, holistic, and trauma-informed support before problems escalated.

Dr. Markentin, with years of experience in addiction medicine, recognized the interconnected issues of poverty, inadequate housing, and trauma as the root causes of his patients' challenges. Sanctum Care Group found its home in an empty building on Avenue O, a space provided by the St. Paul's Hospital Foundation. The initial days were challenging, with only two residents –a patient affectionately known as the "Lone Ranger" and Katelyn Roberts herself. When the second patient moved in, the Lone Ranger stretched out a hand and said, “Welcome to heaven.” Soon, the 10-bed facility was battling a six-month waiting list. For many, it was the first time in their lives that many of the residents had a safe, stable place to call home.

The Impact of Sanctum Care Group

Today, Sanctum Care Group provides solace for individuals with HIV, supports mothers in keeping custody of and reuniting with their children, and offers a peaceful environment for palliative patients. Dr. Markentin emphasizes that, at Sanctum, no one has to face death alone. The organization has extended its reach through various initiatives, connecting former residents to housing and Sanctum 1.5, a neonatal care home for pregnant women, those with HIV or those at risk of contracting it.

Acknowledging that the journey was far from perfect, Dr. Markentin believes that Sanctum Care Group has made a significant impact already, and they have so much more to give! The organization's signature fundraiser, the annual Sanctum Survivor, involves community leaders spending 36 hours on the streets, simulating the challenges faced by those with chronic diseases and no housing. This event raises funds and fosters a deeper understanding of the struggles in Saskatoon's core neighbourhoods.

In 2023, the founder of Trusted Sara Wheelwright stepped up to participate as one of the ten survivors in the Sanctum Survivor event. Together, they raised a staggering $426,000, with Sara individually contributing an impressive $26,700. The huge final total was greatly impacted by the efforts of 2023 survivor participant David Dube, who surpassed his personal $100,000 fundraising goal and announced at the Sanctum Gala that his total would be matched by the Les & Irene Dubé Foundation.

Reflecting on her experience, Sara said:

"The Sanctum Survivor experience was extremely humbling; I had no idea how many barriers our cities' most vulnerable citizens face in their daily lives. When I understood how impactful Sanctum is , I was determined to help them going forward - the work they do is so needed and I hope I can help them as they grow and share their model for the benefit of all involved! "

This is a glimpse of their experience.

Sanctum Care Group's journey is a testament to the power of determination, compassion, and a vision for proactive care. As they continue to expand and share their proven programs, Sanctum Care Group is making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with HIV and their families. Trusted Saskatoon is excited to have them in our Non-Profit Category, and we look forward to amplifying and supporting their transformative work for the community.

Trusted Saskatoon team ran a contest on the Trusted Saskatoon Facebook page at the end of 2018 to find a new category for the Trusted Saskatoon directory. We received 100's of nominations, from children's activities to fencing. However, there was a clear winner; with over 200 nominations, we were thrilled that the new category was Trusted Saskatoon NON-PROFITS!

This was such a good fit, as we have always had a strong community focus; in fact, Trusted was proud to be recognized as the recipient of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce ABEX Award for Community in 2017.

In the fall of 2023, we felt it was time to extend the love, and we said farewell and good luck to two of the Saskatoon Non-profits we had supported and promoted for 5 years as Trusted Partners, Saskatoon Kinette's and SCAT- Street Cat Rescue. We are thrilled to announce that The Kinsmen Foundation - TeleMiracle is our newest non-profit partner.

The Trusted Saskatoon team is thrilled to welcome the Kinsmen Foundation - TeleMiracle to the Trusted Saskatoon community.

We are grateful to have a wonderful relationship with the folks at The Kinsmen Foundation here in Saskatoon. Our sister company, Trusted Marketing Services has been working with The Foundation for the last 10 months, helping them with social media and other marketing pieces, and a past Trusted Saskatoon team member, Carman Praski, is the Fund Development Manager. Carman introduced us to the organization in 2022, and we are in awe at all they do for this province! We look forward to helping them reach even more people through our networks and assisting them in raising as much money as possible through the 2024 TeleMiracle Telethon, which takes place in Regina February 24th and 25th.

"Ring Those Phones"

TeleMiracle, the beloved annual telethon, has been a cornerstone of Saskatchewan culture for decades, raising millions of dollars to support people in need. As we open our hearts and arms to the incredible team at TeleMiracle, let's explore the history of this iconic event and the remarkable impact it has had on the people of Saskatchewan.

The TeleMiracle Legacy

The history of TeleMiracle stretches back to 1977, when it was first introduced as an annual telethon organized by the Kinsmen and Kinettes of Saskatchewan. Over the years, it has become a cherished Saskatchewan tradition, as much a part of the province's cultural fabric as wheat fields and prairie sunsets.

Every year, TeleMiracle unites people across Saskatchewan with a shared purpose: to raise funds to support individuals with medical expenses, special needs, and mobility challenges. The telethon is more than just a fundraiser; it is a symbol of hope, unity, and the indomitable spirit of the people of Saskatchewan.

The Impact of TeleMiracle

TeleMiracle's impact on Saskatchewan cannot be overstated. The funds raised through this annual event go to support a wide range of programs and services, including medical equipment, travel assistance, and other vital resources for individuals facing life-altering challenges. See an example of their impact in the video below.

The Kinsmen Foundation, through TeleMiracle, has played a crucial role in transforming lives and providing much-needed assistance. Many families and individuals have found hope and relief through their initiatives. The positive impact of TeleMiracle extends not only to those directly assisted but also to the entire province. It reflects the compassion and generosity that define the Saskatchewan community.

A Team with Huge Hearts

At the heart of TeleMiracle's success is the remarkable team of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to make it all happen. The Kinsmen Foundation's dedicated employees, who work tirelessly behind the scenes all year, the Kinsmen and Kinettes of Saskatchewan, along with countless volunteers, have shown unwavering commitment and enormous hearts in their efforts to organize the annual TeleMiracle telethon. They embody the spirit of Saskatchewan, where people come together to help one another, where communities rally in times of need, and where kindness knows no bounds.

This exceptional team exemplifies the very essence of Trusted Saskatoon, where businesses and organizations that are committed to their community and have a genuine desire to make a positive impact are celebrated.

“The Kinsmen Foundation is an amazing organization with a genuine mission to help Saskatchewan residents with miracles of mobility equipment and much needed financial support when they have nowhere else to turn. I’m so humbled and grateful to be able to give my time and talents to making our province a better place, one individual and one family at a time. TeleMiracle is truly rooted in Saskatchewan with such a long-standing tradition of success, and without our generous TeleMIracle donors, who are our true Miracle Makers, we couldn’t do what we do in Helping People Every Day. Thank you, Saskatchewan!” – Carman Praski, Fund Development Manager, Kinsmen Foundation

As we welcome the Kinsmen Foundation's TeleMiracle to Trusted Saskatoon as a Non-Profit , we embrace not only a tradition but a symbol of hope, unity, and the incredible spirit of Saskatchewan. TeleMiracle has touched countless lives, providing assistance, support, and a beacon of hope to those who need it most. We look forward to supporting their continued efforts and to standing alongside this incredible team. In an ever-changing world, it's comforting to know that the values of compassion, community, and a willingness to lend a helping hand remain unwavering in Saskatchewan, and TeleMiracle is a shining example of these qualities. We salute the Kinsmen and Kinettes of Saskatchewan and all who contribute to this incredible endeavor. Together, we'll continue to make a positive impact on our province, as their motto says...

'Helping People Every Day'

Kinsmen Foundation - TeleMiracle is a Trusted Saskatoon Non-Profit

Read more about what it means to be a Trusted Saskatoon non-profit in the article we wrote in January 2019. Two of the original Trusted non-profits were started by long-time Trusted Saskatoon Partners. TLC @ Home, Founded by Shelley James of Hairstyle Inn Salons, and Mending Little Hearts, Founded by Anna Wiebe, co-owner of Wiebe Windows and More. We are committed to supporting those two grassroots non-profits as our foundational Trusted Saskatoon Non-Profit Partners as long as we are here!