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Miracle Theatre fundraiser backs children’s medical needs

Oct 29, 2026 | 4:15 PM


PRINCE GEORGE – Derek Turnbull remembers sleeping at the foot of his son’s hospital bed when their family had to leave Prince George for treatment in Vancouver.

“Of course you want your child to be as comfortable as possible. I lost count of how many nights I slept at the foot of his bed. It’s never home,” said Turnbull, Mavrik’s father.

Miracle Theatre says money from its next production will go to the new Mavrik Turnbull Legacy Fund. The fund aims to help families dealing with pediatric cancer or support children’s medical needs in the Prince George area.

Turnbull spoke about spending long periods away from family and other support, including nights in isolation when they couldn’t leave the room.

“It was never home,” he said.

The theatre’s fact sheet says the legacy fund is a permanent endowment managed by the Prince George Community Foundation. Each year, money will go to the Spirit of the North Foundation to support charitable programs for these needs.

Ted Price, the production’s director and designer, says the fund could help families who need to take a child away for treatment.

“One parent must stay there for the whole time to support the child and take care of their regular needs,” Price said.

Turnbull says he hopes to one day bring cancer treatments closer to home so children can stay near their families and support networks. The fund supports charitable programs, not the creation of local cancer treatment services.

Miracle Theatre’s fundraiser is Hilda’s Yard, a comedy by Canadian playwright Norm Foster. Price says it’s about a couple whose adult children move back home and change their plans.

Anne Laughlin is producing the play, which is the theatre’s 12th production. Price says the main team has six performers and a stage manager.

Price says they are recruiting actors from across Canada, and the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association handles casting and contracts.

According to Ted Price, volunteers help with carpentry, costumes, painting, promotion, lighting, sound, and front-of-house work.

Price says they still need two more people to host an actor. Hosts provide a place to stay but don’t need to offer meals or transportation.

They also need two wardrobe volunteers. Price says the play takes place in one day, so each of the six characters needs only one costume.

The fact sheet says the show will be at ArtSpace, above Books and Company at 1685 Third Avenue. Plans include a thrust stage, a professionally designed set, and raised seating.

Tickets are $40 and available at Books and Company or by calling 250-563-6637.

In addition to ticket sales, the theatre will raise money through sponsorships, donations, and concession sales. Businesses can sponsor the show, and clubs, organizations, or businesses can book a private show.

The theatre says sponsors can get corporate recognition, advertising, and tickets. Private shows let a group reserve all the seats for their event.

Individuals and families can also become patrons, and the theatre will recognize them at a performance or in someone’s memory. For more information about volunteering, sponsorships, or becoming a patron, contact Miracle Theatre at 250-563-6937 or Anne Laughlin at anne.laughlin.pg@shaw.ca