The first Sunday of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts is known for more than the curling.

Once again, the Sandra Schmirler Foundation telethon will be happening with Moose Jaw being the home base for the event this year seeing that is where the 2020 Scotties is being held.

The Foundation, which bears the name of the Regina curler who won Olympic gold in 1998 along with many other achievements before passing away from cancer at the age of 36, raises funds for hospital Newborn Intensive Care Units to purchase life-saving equipment for premature and critically ill newborns and provide scholarships to junior curlers; giving each the chance to grow up and be a champion, like Sandra.

Bernadette McIntyre is on the Foundation’s board of directors. She says there is no goal, but there is one figure they would like to hit.

“We always want to go higher and we are hoping to see $500,000 dollars get raised.” McIntyre said. “Since starting almost 20 years ago, it has given 4.7 million dollars to NICU’s across the country including here in Saskatchewan.”

The Robyn Silvernagle team answers phones at the 2019 Sandra Schmirler Foundation telethon in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

The number to call is 1-866-210-6011. Those going to Mosaic Place for the curling can also donate in person. All of those taking part in the Scotties will be manning the phones at some point on Sunday as will others from the sport including members of Sandra’s Olympic and World champion curling team.