MACKLIN — You may think they are crazy for doing the unthinkable, but two Macklin emergency medical responders are beyond excited to take a huge leap of faith for charity.
Terri Murrell and Jennifer Arlitt, who work as EMRs out of Macklin, chose to sign up for ’s third annual Jump for Charity fundraiser. The tandem-style jump is a friendly competition between Saskatchewan’s EMS and a police service. This year, Murrell and Arlitt are joined by two participants from Hutch Ambulance in Moosomin to make up the EMS pool and will be competing against Moose Jaw Police Service.
The competition is easy: each pool is tasked with raising as much money as possible before the jump, which is slated for the morning of Sept. 6 at the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport. Funds raised are donated back to Teddy Bears Anonymous, a non-profit charity that purchases sterilized teddy bears to be handed out to children admitted to participating hospitals and ambulance services throughout the province.
For the two Macklin women, the decision to take the jump was easy.
“I learned of the jump last year from a paramedic friend who participated. It looked and sounded like fun, so I kept an eye out for Teddy Bears Anonymous looking for participants for this year’s fundraiser,” said Arlitt, who has been an EMR for the past 15 years.
Murrell, who has been an EMR since 2012, said she reached out to past participant Olivia Babichuk of Kerrobert for details on how the pair could get involved.
“In February, I was in Mexico and was given a chance to try parasailing. I fell in love, even with my fear of heights. Since my diagnosis of breast cancer in 2017, I felt the need to live life to the fullest and help others who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I’ve always been up for a challenge and skydiving is something I can check off my bucket list and support a fabulous charity.”
The EMS services have some large shoes to fill, as last year’s Saskatchewan EMS services participants raised more than $6,500. Babichuk teamed up with Wilkie EMR Denys Kotelnikov last year and jumped on Sept. 7, 2024.
Teddy Bears Anonymous was founded in 2008 by the current president, Luke Lawrence, after his daughter Erin passed away from a very rare form of gastric cancer called Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC). His wife had also passed away from the disease in 1991.
“Hospital visits and ambulance rides are scary sometimes, even for adults. Whatever I can do as a health-care professional to make a child’s experience easier, even if it’s as simple as the comfort from a soft teddy bear, I like to try and do,” said Arlitt.
The Macklin duo is now focusing on raising funds for the cause.
“Online donations can be made at and don’t forget to mention Pool A and Jennifer Arlitt, Terri Murrell or Macklin EMS in the comments. Online donations will be issued a receipt immediately,” said Arlitt. She added that cash and cheque donations will be accepted as well.
“We are planning a barbecue fundraiser at the Macklin Delta Co-op on Aug. 8 and we are open to working with a matching sponsor for this amazing fundraiser,” said Murrell.
While the families of both women think it’s great, the pair admit they have been called crazy.
“When the email first came across, my husband was all for it right away. My daughter is super excited for me, as she works with Unity EMS. My son is a little more nervous for me, he likes to keep both feet on the ground. Although some think I’m a little crazy, they are all in support of me,” said Murrell.
“For the most part my friends and family think it’s great. Some think I’m crazy, but are still super supportive,” added Arlitt.
To make a donation online, visit . If your business is interested in being a matching sponsor with the Macklin EMS team, or if you would like to donate, contact Murrell at 306-753-7862 or Arlitt at 780-753-7605.
