Members from the Airdrie Hockey community and beyond have given their time, resources and even the shirt off their backs for a local family.

Local Hockey Dad Merlyn Patrick was vacationing with his family in Hawaii in March when he was unfortunately caught by the waves and severely injured.

"(Merlyn) broke his C5 Vertebrae and left significant damage to his spinal cord. He was airlifted home from Maui and has been in the Foothills Hospital working hard on his recovery," said Melissa White who started the campaign to raise support for the family.

White says the Patrick's have endured a number of challenges since the accident.

"Right now they are renovating their house, installing an elevator. Merlyn's working tirelessly on his rehabilitation in the hospital. (They're) learning to re map their lives and continue on and look for private therapy and continue his road to regaining his recovery."

White along with friend Lisa Clarke, helped kick start a campaign to help the family earlier in the summer. They say what started as a small initiative grew enormously.

"This was way bigger than the Patrick family and this was something that the community just had to do to come together to heal. It blew up on us, what we started as, we thought was going to be a hall party...we're honoured to be a part of it."

White and Clarke say they've received support from other sporting organizations including Rocky View Lacrosse and the Alberta Lacrosse Association.

The pair recall one touching moment where a neighbour, who hardly knew the Patrick family, came over and offered what little he had.

"(He) came by with a $20 dollar bill and said, 'this is all I have. What can I do? Please accept this'."

So far, the campaign to help the family has received financial support along with meals and help for the renovations on their house.

Airdrie Hockey will also be holding a benefit event to support the Patrick's on September 16th.

To find out how you can contribute to the support initiative, you can visit the official Facebook page or email merlynsroad@gmail.com

 

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