At Parkinson Canada, we are always on the lookout for new and inventive ideas for fundraising from our community and we are never disappointed. Milton-based amateur recording engineer and drummer, Kevin Farmer is back this year with a creative, energetic (and loud) fundraising campaign that’s hard to beat.
We caught up with Kevin and he shared the story of how he came up with the idea to play drums for twelve hours straight to raise money in conjunction with the SuperWalk.
PC: Tell us about how you started Drums for Parkinson?
Kevin: My family and I have been participating in the Parkinson Superwalk for at least 13 years. In 2020, when the covid pandemic was in full swing, I felt like I needed to do more to help raise money since the large community walks weren’t taking place the same as usual. I came up with a crazy idea to play drums for 12 hours straight and live stream the event for everyone to watch and hope that a few people would donate some money. I raised $10,700 and, as soon as it was over, I knew it had to become a yearly event. Since I first contacted Parkinson Canada to tell them about this idea last year, we have been working together to make this event successful. The whole team has been very helpful and are very easy to communicate with!
PC: What was the inspiration to raise money for Parkinson Canada?
Kevin: I was inspired by my dad, who has been living with Parkinson’s for about 15 years now. He has had DBS surgery which has helped with some of the symptoms, but of course there is no cure and I’d like to do my part to hopefully change that someday. He has been very active in the Parkinson SuperWalk and each year raises at least $2500 on his own.
PC: How do you think you’ll feel when you are done?
Kevin: Excited, tired, inspired and relieved. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to last for 12 hours of straight drumming last year. I wasn’t sure if the goal of $5000 would be achieved. But when the drumathon was over, I still had so much energy because I ended up more than doubling the goal and had so many people cheering me on through the live stream chat that I felt great and probably could have gone longer! The next day I was pretty exhausted, but it was definitely worth it.
PC: Tell us about this year’s event.
Kevin: This year the event will take place on Sunday, August 29th and I will be playing drums live from 9 am – 9 pm. It will be live streamed on Facebook, YouTube and Twitch and you will find links through the website or Facebook page. I will be performing solo and have a few bands and special guests join me throughout the day. In addition to that, I have a ton of prizes to give away. Anyone that donates $25 or more (and lives in Canada) will automatically be entered into a draw to win one of many great prizes. I’m very thankful for some great sponsors that are helping out with the prizes. All proceeds go directly to Parkinson Canada towards research, education and support for people living with Parkinson’s disease. To donate, learn more or view the live stream, go to www.drumsforparkinsons.com and I hope to see you on Aug 29th!
We are grateful and excited that Kevin has turned his talents to supporting SuperWalk again this year. For all of us moving towards a cure and better treatment for people living with Parkinson’s, the beat goes on.
Editor’s note: it’s not too late to start your own SuperWalk fundraiser for this year – whether you want to march to the beat of your own drum with a creative idea like Kevin’s, or simply participate with our Walk in a Box tools to host your own SuperWalk, register today at www.superwalk.ca and plan to take part in our live SuperWalk kick-off on September 11.
Awesome work Kevin!
I wish I could join you, but I will be donating today.
Play something in 7/8 for me :)
Cheers,
Derek
(a fellow family member of a person living with PD, and drummer)