Marie Wyandi Telethon start at 102 years

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EDSON - It was a pleasure to be one of the performers who entertained for the Telerama for the Handicapped held here January 15.

Not only myself and two other members of the Whispering River Band - Brock Ashby and Rob Mitchell - performed, but other Native talents such as 102 -year old Mrs. Marie Wyandi showed up to volunteer their time.

The Edson Association for the Developmentally Handicapped is there to give parents of handicapped children emotional support, information, counselling and family education. Its purpose is to serve the developmentally handicapped and their families.

The association receives funding from government grants, donations and bequests, charity auctions (sponsored by the Auctioneers Association of Alberta) and, of course, the telethon.

The telethon began with a line-up of child entertainers at 6:30 p.m. and was delivered live by QCTV Television to the residents of Edson.

This year it was the goal of people such as co-ordinator Carol Ann Martel to reach $10,000. Last year the telethon raised approximately $8,000.

The telethon ran for more than six hours, and by the time Harry Rusk and Gladys McVie had ended it with a number of great religious songs, the telethon had raised over $13,000.

The money was raised through the tremendous support of the people of Edson and many school children who came out to perform skits, songs and musical scores for the audience inside the Parkland Composite High School Gymnasium and in front of their TV sets at home.

The thing that we missed was to see Marie Wyandi perform at the school, since we arrived late at Edson, but we were in time to watch her on the TV set. She was helped to her spot of performing by Ivan Plante, a member of Metis Local 44 at Edson, and with drum in hand, this wonderful lady sang a traditional Indian song to the applause of everyone there.

What I noticed, once Marie finished her number, was the smile of acknowledgment that she gave back after the clapping, which she indeed deserved, had simmered down.

Prior to the telethon, we were invited to Marlboro by Jackie and Russel Plante for supper. "You make darn sure you come for supper when you get here," Russel said during a phone call before we left Edmonton.

When we did arrive, Jackie had already prepared supper of moosemeat in gravy, homegrown potatoes, and fresh bannock that she took out of the oven when we arrived.

Russel was not at home when we sat down for supper He was away in Whitecourt to see a doctor about his back. But he did show up for some good conversation before we had to leave back for Edson.

Jackie and Russel, my wife Gail and I and Brock thank you for the wonderful country supper.

Back at the telethon we were treated with nothing but friendliness, and I must say to Martel and all the others who volunteered their services that you did put on a superb telethon, very well co-ordinated. We had a great time!