Farmers 50/50 supports paralyzed player

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Published on Thursday, December 3, 2015

Photo by Eoin Devereux. The Neepawa Farmers’ game on Saturday, Nov. 28, (pictured) was a victory both on and off the ice, thanks to community support.

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

Hockey communities across Canada continue to support Braden Pettinger and Neepawa is no exception. 

The Neepawa Farmers  of the Tiger Hills Hockey League recently organized a progressive 50/50 draw for the 20-year-old. Pettinger was paralyzed from the chest down from a fall into the boards during an MJHL game on Nov. 12.

By Saturday, Nov. 29, $1,080 was raised from the 50/50, with half that amount going directly to the Pettinger family. The winner of the 50/50 also chose to donate a sizeable portion of the winnings to the cause.

Neepawa Farmers rep Rodney White said that the team was very happy with the support this endeavour has received.

“It was very good to see so many people provide support for this fundraiser. $540 is going directly to the Go Fund Me page and another donation has been given by the winner of the 50/50, so we’re very pleased with the response,” said White. “When Landon Cameron came to us and suggested we do something to support the Pettinger family, we thought that was a great idea. Hockey is competitive, but in many ways it’s also a fraternity. Anyone who plays or has played the game understands the danger that’s out there on the ice. When something like this happens, you just want to do whatever you can to help. We’re thankful for everyone who supported our effort to assist Braden and his family.”

The Manitoba Junior Hockey League set up a Go Fund Me page to cover the cost of Pettinger’s current and future treatment. As of Wednesday, Dec. 2, it had raised just over $142,000. Other fundraising efforts planned across the province include a Boxing Day social in the town of Souris and a fundraising event in Pettinger’s hometown of Elgin, tentatively scheduled for February or March.