Sherwood Park benefit concert July 4 supports accessibility

A benefit concert on July 4, at the Sherwood Park Log Cabin will raise money to repair and modify a wheelchair-accessible van for Danielle Larsen, drawing attention to ongoing challenges with accessible transit in Strathcona County.

Larsen has used a wheelchair since age 16, after a violent incident left her with a severe spinal injury. Over decades, she rebuilt her life in Sherwood Park — marrying in spring, raising a child, returning to school, and staying actively involved in her community. But independence depends on reliable transportation, both through Mobility Bus, the county's door-to-door accessible transit service, and her own modified van.

Mobility Bus has seen demand nearly double since 2019, and while council approved an additional $375,000 in the 2026 budget to increase full-time operators from eight to 17, gaps in service persist. The service aims to meet 98 per cent of trip requests, but achieved about 95 per cent in 2025. Tiffany Malthouse, a longtime friend organizing the benefit, said gaps can derail essential outings: "There have been times we book well in advance and then get a call the day of saying only one way can be accommodated. That makes the whole outing impossible."

The concert runs from 5:15 p.m. to after midnight at the Log Cabin, 50A Spruce Ave., featuring performances by Unknown, Luminal, Zuna Grey, Bobby Cameron, Toogin Show, Playing with Fire, and a Toogin and Friends set. Catalyst Productions is providing all sound and production equipment at no cost. Tickets are available by calling or texting 825-436-6164.