Kevin Farmer, drummer for Mountain Head and long-time supporter of Parkinson Canada’s SuperWalk was thinking outside the box in September 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic halted the community fundraising walks for Parkinson’s. “I came up with a crazy idea to combine my love for playing drums with a cause that I am truly passionate about,” he says on his website, Drums for Parkinson’s. Kevin has pledged to perform a 12-hour drum-a-thon with an assortment of special guests for 12 hours straight while streaming live on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch for everyone to see.
Drums for Parkinson’s is gaining momentum
Kevin’s drumming event has raised a total of $28,000 in its first two years. Now in its third year, he has his sights set on making this one a record-breaking year that brings in $20,000 on its own! Kevin generously donates all proceeds from his event to Parkinson Canada to help fuel the programs and research aimed at transforming the lives of Canadians living with Parkinson’s.
To encourage donations, Kevin has teamed up with a number of sponsors who have donated prizes for those who donate $25 dollars or more. You could win anything from four free ukulele lessons, restaurant gift cards, autographed Glorious Sons gear, tons of drumming equipment, a smartwatch and so much more.
What music can do for people living with Parkinson’s
Music as a rehabilitation for Parkinson’s comes in many forms. Listening to music with a distinct tempo can help people living with Parkinson’s reduce freezing while walking. Research also shows that singing along to music helps strengthen the voice and improves loudness. From dancing to singing to simply listening to music you like, there are many ways music can have a positive impact on the quality of life when living with Parkinson’s.
Tune in for Drums for Parkinson’s on August 28, 2022
Between 9 am and 9 pm EST Kevin will be rockin’ out with his special guests, talking with those tuning in, and handing out prizes. Canadians from coast to coast can tune in when it’s best for them, hear the beats, and benefit from the listening experience.
Visit drumsforparkinsons.com to donate and register to join in the fun on August 28th.