USask Agros’ Bedpush raises over $98,000 for Telemiracle

The total amount of $98,922 is the most raised ever in the history of the biannual Bedpush event. In its 41st year, Bedpush raises support and awareness for TeleMiracle, a telethon fundraiser benefiting the Kinsmen Foundation. The non-profit organization provides specialized mobility and medical equipment to people and organizations throughout Saskatchewan, as well as travel assistance for residents in need of vital medical treatment outside their home community.

Bedpush volunteers spent three days pushing a metal bedframe from Saskatoon to Regina on February 22-24, 2024. It is a proud tradition for students and alumni of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources (AgBio) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). Along with the Agricultural Students Association (ASA), members of the Saskatchewan Agricultural Graduates Association (SAGA) also help push the bed, bringing together family members across generations.

“AgBio has one of the most active and enthusiastic student bodies at the University of Saskatchewan,” said Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn (PhD), dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources (AgBio). “The Agros’ long-standing traditions – like Bedpush for TeleMiracle – have a tremendous impact on our community and are part of our college legacy. Whether today or 50 years from now, we strive to keep these traditions alive and to continue to give back to Saskatchewan.”

For the AgBio students involved in Bedpush, being able to give back to the community in such a unique way is a memorable part of their student experience.

“This event was the highlight of my university career,” said Cailey Church, an Animal Science student and the Agros public relations officer who led Bedpush. “I had heard of the Agros and some of the student events prior to coming to USask but did not know just how wonderful of a community it was until I became part of it. It makes me so grateful that I chose to come here for my undergraduate degree.”

Bedpush fundraising started in January and included bingo nights, spin classes, calcutta bowling, a raffle, a bake sale, an Agros Executive auction, and a Huskies hockey half-time game.

Incentives for reaching fundraising goals are held along the way in the month leading up to Bedpush. At the $10,000 mark, the pre-pandemic favourite ‘Pie in the Face’ was brought back to the college. Associate Dean Academic Dr. Tom Yates (PhD), and Professor Dr. Jeff Schoenau (PhD) were the lucky recipients. Bedard-Haughn also donned a cow costume for a workday when the funds raised reached $50,000.

Once it came time to hit the road for the actual Bedpush, the students encountered both challenges and opportunities.

“The bed getting a flat tire after lunch in Disley, Sask., on the third day was our most challenging moment,” said Church. “Luckily a local farmer was able to help get the tire fixed and ready to go for the last stretch.”

“We couldn’t have asked for better weather,” said Owen Van de Kraats, an Agribusiness student and communications director for the Agros. “The temperature stayed in the single-digit negatives throughout most of the three-day push, with snow only coming on the last stretch from Disley to Regina.”

With the weather on their side, the students pushed through and made record time for their arrivals at checkpoints on almost all three days of Bedpush.

“Arriving at the City of Regina sign and knowing all your hard work has gone towards this moment is a very rewarding experience. Many tears are shed,” said Ellie Stauffer, an Agribusiness student and president and senior stick of the Agros.

The students presented their cheque for $98,922 on the Telemiracle live broadcast the evening of February 24.

“Fundraising for a cause like TeleMiracle is such an impactful experience because you can be a part of something bigger than yourself and know that your efforts go towards someone in need,” said Stauffer.

In the biannual years when Bedpush is not held (when Telemiracle is held in Saskatoon instead of Regina), the students raise funds for STARS Air Ambulance via a “March for Stars” event. The Agros hold other fundraisers throughout the year such as Saskatoon Food Bank drives. The Agros also work together with and donate to different mental health initiatives and host blood drives with Canadian Blood Services.

“Giving back to the community is one of the greatest things we do in this college,” said Van de Kraats. “We have the platform and opportunity to create change and help others. Using that in our fundraising has shown how we together as a student body can make a real impact and help those around us.”