JUMP to help me help Mark!

I personally know Mark Perkins as a knowledge keeper, and was blessed to have met him and his family in early 2019 when I asked if he could provide some Métis cultural teachings for my staff. Mark jumped at the opportunity! Despite a myriad of other requests on his time, Mark organized a half-day cultural presentation, which was so well received and so greatly appreciated.

From what I now know about Mark Perkins, he has always been the man who jumps to answer someone's call for help.

However, Mark is now the one with a call for help, and it is our turn to jump for him.

Unfortunately, due to a recent broken foot and bone infection in his lower left leg, life for Mark and his family has suddenly and unexpectedly changed forever. It is with great sadness and concern that I share the infection went into Mark’s bloodstream and the only life-saving measure was the amputation of his lower leg.

Expenses are mounting for his family as the learning curve about disabilities is steep and harsh. Mark has had to purchase a hospital bed for $10 000.00; bathroom, kitchen and home entrance renovations at a cost of $3000.00; a wheelchair at $5000.00; and Grab bars and accessible flooring, which have cost $2000.00. This life-changing event has already cost Mark, who is retired and has limited income, $20, 000.00 out of pocket.

Mark has been called “a fireplug of a man” by local journalist Tom Hawthorn.

(Mark Perkins, standing at Thunderbird Park carving shed, waiting for the line to charge.)

I am starting this campaign in an effort to support a friend, retired professional career firefighter for 33+ years, first responder, CPR instructor, and community member that is in ongoing need at this time. Many of you know Mark as either a friend, colleague, community member, mentor, knowledge keeper or relative. Maybe he responded to you when you were in need, as he did for this Nuuchahnulth 60s scoop survivor:

“Williams was not heard from until 2000 when firefighter Mark Perkins, who had pitched for the same Idaho college Williams played for later, helped rescue him from a drug overdose. Perkins called Walt Burrows, the Canadian supervisor for Major League Baseball's Scouting Bureau, who arranged for Williams to receive financial support from a charity that assists ballplayers who have no income.” Windspeaker.com

You may also know Mark from his years of support to community as a soccer and baseball coach.

Even in retirement Mark has selflessly provided life-saving service to those in danger, as this local account explains.

https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/rescuers-67-and-69-honoured-for-pulling-man-from-burning-car

Mark has always been there to help when the call comes.

Since retirement, Mark has been sharing local community history through tours and community presentations as a knowledge keeper.

Mark and his family have not shared with many the details around Mark's current hospitalization of over a month and the catastrophic life-changing result, as this is a new area of advocacy for Mark: advocating for himself!

Mark has been able to borrow temporary equipment for 3 months, which allows time to complete the most essential modifications, which will cost $150 000.00 out of pocket, when he has to purchase permanent equipment to help him navigate the rest of his life.

No donation is too small, and any amount you are able to donate is greatly appreciated by Mark and his family. It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a community to support its members.

I ask you to consider answering this call of help for Mark, who has selflessly answered the calls of help for so many throughout his life.

All my Relations,

Colleen