Community support for Mary and Clay

This fundraiser is to help carry Mary McNeill-Knowles and Clay Webb through a challenging time, pulling together to support two people who touch the lives of many through their positive contributions to the community.

On the night of October 25th Mary and Clay were at home in Fernwood when large rocks were thrown through their front window. They were in the room at the time and Mary was struck in the face, causing serious fractures to her cheekbone and orbital bones which required reconstructive surgery, conducted successfully on October 31st. There was also damage to one of her incisor teeth which will be fixed at a later date and bruising of her right eyeball, thankfully not likely to result in permanent damage. The incident has been covered in the local press and police are currently investigating. This completely unprovoked act of violence will reverberate in their lives for some time to come.

Mary is currently splitting time between an interior design firm and self-employment as a photographer. The current estimate is that she will require at least six weeks off work to recover, although that timeline is fluid. Clay has also been taking time away from work to be with Mary as she navigates the healthcare challenges and they deal with the ongoing investigation.

The funds raised through this platform will cover:

We’re currently estimating ~$8000 might cover these costs, although we may adjust the fundraising goal as things progress. If any funds are unneeded following a return to a more regular rhythm for Mary and Clay they will be donated to the Pacific Centre Family Services Association, a charitable organization providing equity-based access to comprehensive, multidisciplinary, wraparound, trauma-informed health care on South Vancouver Island.

If you're reading this you likely already know how big an impact these two make wherever they go, from Mary's work with a non-profit creating an inclusive environment for women to learn how to surf, to Clay's many years of deep involvement across the cycling and running communities. Both quiet and understated, they're not the type to easily ask for help. Now is the time for our networks to show up for good people facing adversity with the poise we'd expect from their strong character.