Winnipegger selling hockey print to benefit Humboldt Broncos crash victims

In the wake of Friday’s tragic bus crash, a Winnipeg artist is donating proceeds from a print to the Humboldt Broncos players and families.

Adria Warren posted a photo of the print, featuring a pair of hockey skates hanging off a stick, to Instagram Sunday night.

Like many others, she said she was at a loss for words trying to comprehend the sadness felt by everyone affected by the crash in Saskatchewan.

READ MORE: Canadians are leaving their hockey sticks on front porches to pay tribute to Humboldt Broncos

“Last night, I was going to get some business stuff done and I was procrastinating,” she said. “On every TV in my house, this coverage is on — the vigil was yesterday — and so I was watching a bit of that and my heart ached so much. So I was like I’m going to address my feelings the best way I know how.”

So she painted. And then she decided to promote the print, with 100 per cent of its proceeds going to the Broncos community.

This isn’t the first time Warren has made art for a cause — she designed a print when Gord Downie passed away, with the proceeds going to CancerCare.

READ MORE: Humboldt bus crash: All GoFundMe donations to go directly to affected players, families

But she said this time, the news hit close to home. Her twin brother played hockey growing up, and her family was involved in the hockey community.

“He was on the road a lot, and I even have friends who have played in that league as well,” Warren said.

“I could not imagine losing a family member or a friend, never mind 15. I can’t even imagine what that community is going through and it’s so nice to see basically all of Canada try their best to help.”

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“Since 8 p.m. last night, I have raised $1,500 dollars,” she continued. “It feels so good to give people that opportunity to make a difference, like help me along this journey and feel like they helped as well.”

Warren is selling the 8″ x 10″ print for $15. So far, 100 people have reached out. She said anyone wishing to buy a copy can contact her via email, and she can ship the artwork to anyone outside of Winnipeg — free of charge.

A GoFundMe for the victims and families has topped $5 million since a Humboldt resident created the fundraiser following the crash.