Manitoba Live Music Event

About

On the night of September 30th, our dear friend, Peter Warkentin, suffered a spinal injury while playing hockey. He had the great misfortune to hit the boards headfirst at high speed, and immediately knew that something was terribly wrong. Peter has been at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg ever since and now faces the prospect of a six month hospital stay to recuperate from his surgery, as well as the broken ribs and wrist that he also sustained in the accident, and begin what will no doubt be a long period of physiotherapy. He is not expected to walk again.

Despite what must be incredible physical pain and emotional hardship, Peter has courageously embraced the challenges of adjusting to this new reality. Supported by the presence of his partner, Samantha, brother, David, mother and father, Heather and Duff, and a large and caring network of extended family and friends, Peter is marshalling his strength and resilience to rise to the occasion of recovering from his injury, and eventually learning how to live his life without the use of his legs. Through it all, he has retained his calm, philosophical outlook on life, and even his sense of humour. If anyone can withstand such a massive setback, it’s Peter, equipped, as he is, with a quietly strong spirit, and a great love of life. And for that we are immensely grateful.

However, with such a life-changing injury come many challenges, the prospect of which stretches on into the foreseeable future. As beneficial as our public health care system is, the financial strain of dealing with related, uncovered expenses is sure to be felt by Peter and his family. Specialized transportation, housing, and various other expenses which may emerge in course of Peter’s journey, are bound to be costly. It is with this in mind that we’ve put together a benefit show to help both to offset some of Peter’s expenses, and to make a show of support for our friend. 

Peter comes from a very musical family, and is not only a lover of a wide array of music, but has also spent a lifetime singing and playing guitar and piano. A good old rock and roll show, therefore seems an entirely appropriate way to support him. Various local musicians, some personal friends of Peter, and others generous supporters from our Winnipeg community, have all pitched in to create a diverse bill of top-notch musical talent.