UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN
USask Agros' Bedpush raises more than $135,000 for Telemiracle

Bedpush 2026 raised a total of $135,400, the most ever in the history of event. In the 42 years of Bedpush, there has been more than one million dollars raised for Telemiracle. TeleMiracle is 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.

"Participating in Bedpush is one of my favourite memories throughout my journey at the University of Saskatchewan," said Laurel O'Neill, an Agribusiness student and the Agros public relations officer who led Bedpush. "Bedpush has truly made me proud to be an Agro and to be involved in my community and college."

Bedpush is an exciting tradition in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources (AgBio) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). As part of the college's legacy, the biannual fundraiser brings together multiple generations with the Agricultural Students Association (the Agros) and members of the Saskatchewan Agricultural Graduates Association (SAGA) participating. Together, the volunteers spend three days pushing a metal bedframe from Regina to Saskatoon.

It is a family tradition for many such as Kalla Nicholas, an Animal Science student and the Agros comployment officer. Both of her parents participated in Bedpush in the 1990s and her sister participated in 2024.

"Growing up in Saskatchewan, we always watched TeleMiracle and I was raised to understand the importance of supporting the cause," said Nicholas. "Having my family involved in Bedpush in the past made me excited to participate and experience the legacy the Agros have built over the years."

This year's Bedpush took place on February 26-28, 2026, with a starting location change of Regina from Saskatoon. In previous biannual years, Bedpush started in Saskatoon when Telemiracle was held in Regina. Prior to 2026, Telemiracle switched between Saskatoon and Regina.

"Having to start Bedpush in Regina instead of our homebase of Saskatoon brought a new set of challenges that required a lot of different planning and strategizing," said Emily Muchowski, an Agronomy student and the Agros 2025 ag bag drag director.

However, the Agros came together and "we had over 40 students and 15 alumni join us to start pushing on day one in Regina," said O'Neill.

"Having Telemiracle in Saskatoon, instead of Regina made the experience even more meaningful for me," said Samantha Moore, an Animal Bioscience student and the Agros communications director. "It felt really special to be pushing toward home instead of away. Something was motivating about knowing that we were finishing in our own city."

The weather co-operated for the majority of Bedpush. "I would say the weather was pretty windy, but I've been told I'm used to Alberta weather and apparently that's pretty normal here," said Karlin Frykas, a Crop Science student and the Agros president. Frykas is from Grande Prairie, Alta.

"The community of Saskatchewan is something really special," said Frykas. "It has been so welcoming to me coming from a different province and not knowing anyone here. It means so much to me to be able to give back to the community that has welcomed me and given me so much."

The Agros at the Saskatoon Shines sign, after completing their Bedpush run from Regina to Saskatoon. (Photo: Submitted)

Bedpush fundraising started in January and included calcutta bowling, spin classes, bingo nights, a bake sale, a 50/50 raffle, an Agros Executive auction, and Pie in the Face.' AgBio departments and SAGA alumni classes hosted friendly competitions to see who could donate the most. The students also collected cash donations along the Bedpush route.

A special moment for this year's Bedpush happened when Rylan Borsa - an Agronomy student and Agros member - presented a donation for $4,500 from his family in honour of his Gido and Baba, Dennis and Victoria Borsa. Dennis and Victoria Borsa were part of the first TeleMiracle and were community fundraisers throughout their lives. Dennis passed away during the weekend of Bedpush 2026. Rylan continued to help throughout Bedpush and was a vital team member.

The students made it to the "Saskatoon Shines" sign at the entrance of Saskatoon on Highway 11 one hour earlier than expected on the third and final day of Bedpush. This was despite starting the morning with a flat tire and another tire almost falling off the bed at the same time. The students persevered and presented their cheque for $135,400 on the Telemiracle live broadcast the evening of February 28. The grand total of $135,400 surpasses the goal the students set of $100,000 after raising $98,922 in the previous Bedpush of 2024.

"Watching peoples' energy just continually go up throughout all three days of Bedpush and never losing morale will always be a lasting memory in my life," said Muchowski.

The Agros participate in other fundraisers and events to help the community throughout the year including Saskatoon Food Bank drives, Run for the Cure for breast cancer research, Movember for men's health, blood drives with Canadian Blood Services, and more. They also host a "March for the Stars" event for Stars Air Ambulance in the biannual years when Bedpush isn't held. In 2025, the Agros raised $130,000 for Stars Air Ambulance.

"For decades the Agros have been committed to giving back to the community they are so proud to be a part of," said O'Neill. "We hope that that our efforts can make a difference in the community that has built, supported and encouraged us."