What began as a one-year bash to celebrate the first year since House of Pain tattoo and retail shop opened its Cochrane doors has now become a benefit for shop owner, Mike Morison.
The benefit-slash-anniversary celebration begins at 11 a.m. June 28 and will take place in the backyard of the local tattoo house located at 212 3rd Ave. West.
Morison is still in Foothills Hospital, at the beginning of a long road to recovery following a June 10 motorcycle accident that nearly claimed his life, resulting in severe injuries that will likely see him remaining in hospital until the end of the summer.
The 34-year-old entrepreneur collided with a pickup truck east of the Calgary city limits and was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. According to girlfriend Amber Holt, the driver of the pickup truck is being charged with making an unsafe left-hand turn.
Alcohol was not a factor in the accident.
“They didn’t think he was going to make it. They had two units of city police on scene and shut down all intersections along 22x to Foothills,” she explained, adding that Mike is still unable to walk, as his femur and hip were broken, his left arm was shattered and there was extensive damage done to his legs, including multiple broken bones.
Holt said they are grateful that there was no brain or major organ damage and that he wasn’t paralyzed.
“He will probably be in there all summer.”
In an effort to keep the young business going, Mike’s friends and family are rallying together this June 28, turning the one-year anniversary celebration into a benefit for Mike and the tattoo shop.
Silent auction items include a variety of gift packages from businesses, including Stampede gift certificates and camping supplies, as well as artwork being sold by brother and resident tattoo artist, Jeff Morison.
“This happened and it just seemed to make sense to turn it into a benefit,” said Jeff, adding that the family is still in shock over the devastation from the accident.
“I’m donating all the proceeds from my art sales directly to help keep the shop open,” he said, adding that the pressure of running the business while being the only resident tattoo artist has been alleviated with the help of friends and family.
“We are grateful to the Cochrane community and local businesses that have donated items for the silent auction,” said Holt, adding that any last minute donations would be gratefully received.
A barbecue will be running its course throughout the day and anyone is encouraged to stop by the all-ages event.
To learn more, House of Pain can be contacted at 403-932-4679.
