by Tara McDermott
On October 28, River Valley Resilience Retreat (RVRR) hosts its first charity concert event at the EA Rawlinson Centre For the Arts in Prince Albert. Headlining the event is Canadian Country music star, Julian Austin. Back in July Austin released a new music video called “Unsung Heroes'' that shares the story of First Responders and Veterans and their struggles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These matters are at the heart of RVRR’s cause to provide a safe space for First Responders and Veterans in Saskatchewan to rest, recharge, find support, and ultimately reduce the risk of suffering from a major Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) or Operational Stress Injury (OSI). RVRR strongly feels that these injuries need to be acknowledged and addressed just like any physical injury would be.
*photo by Tara McDermott
First Responders make up a large portion of the Prince Albert and area workforce. As Austin indicates in his music video, First Responders and Veterans who struggle with PTSD sometimes turn to suicide to end their suffering. RVRR aims to offer a better option by ensuring that those who are struggling have the safe, judgement-free space and support they need to heal. In support of that goal, they offer day retreats that include Equine Assisted Learning (EAL), yoga, and hiking as well as peer support services and training. RVRR’s tent site in the RM of Duck Lake offers a peaceful respite where first responders can rest and spend time outdoors with people who understand what they are going through.
*photo by Tara McDermott
Though the cause is a weighty one, the evening is sure to be a good time for Country music fans. Additional special guests for the event include local talent: Wade and Chord Fehr, Katelyn Lehner, and RVRR’s own Michelle McKeaveney. A few weeks ago, Fehr released a music video for his summer single “Bright as You”, showcasing his relationship with his daughter. It's a track he holds close to his heart and one that he will no doubt feature in his set.
*photo by Scott Roos
Fans who attended Lehner’s concerts in September were treated to three new unreleased songs. To date the CTV live rendition of her acoustic single, “Matter of Wine,” is the only one available for public consumption. Attendees of the event are likely to be rewarded with the other two.
*photo by Scott Roos
Regarding the event, Michelle posted on her Facebook page, “Let’s HONOR and pay TRIBUTE to all our LOCAL First Responders and Veterans from our Community. Your ticket purchase helps US [RVRR] help them! Please consider buying a TICKET and giving it to a FIRST RESPONDER or VETERAN you know or we can PAY IT FORWARD for you.”
For more information on the event, or to purchase tickets visit: https://www.earc.ca/events/river-valley-resilience-retreat-presents-julian-austin
To learn more about RVRR, visit: https://www.rivervalleyresilienceretreat.com/