On January 16, my dear friend Shannon received news that her family was involved in a devastating motor vehicle accident on Horseshoe Valley Road — a moment that changed everything.

Ryan and his two daughters, Charlie and Daisy, were travelling together when their van was struck in a serious collision that required multiple emergency extrications. In the middle of chaos no child should ever face, Charlie bravely called 911, helping to get life-saving assistance to her family. Daisy sustained a broken arm, and while both girls are now home from the hospital, their lives — and their parents’ — have been turned upside down.

Ryan’s injuries were severe. He has already undergone surgery and has been in and out of the ICU, experiencing several critical close calls. He remains hospitalized and faces a long, uncertain road to recovery.

Shannon is now navigating the impossible: caring for her two young daughters while spending her days and nights at the hospital by Ryan’s side. She will need to step away from work for some time to support her family through this recovery.

For those who know them, this family has always been the ones giving.

Shannon is deeply rooted in the community — a content coordinator with Best Version Media, a dedicated Air Canada employee for over 25 years, and a tireless advocate for SickKids Hospital, where she and Ryan spent countless hours after the heartbreaking loss of their son Van nearly two years ago. Despite their grief, they became passionate supporters of SickKids, giving back to the very place that supported their family in their darkest days.

Ryan is equally well known with his local renovation business Projectz Inc., an avid mountain biker, and someone who has selflessly volunteered countless hours maintaining and caring for the trails throughout Copeland Forest and beyond, simply because he loves this community and the people in it.

Now, they need us.

Ryan’s recovery means he will be unable to work for the foreseeable future, directly impacting his renovation business and their household income. With medical uncertainty, time away from work, and the everyday costs of caring for their family, the financial strain will be significant.

This fundraiser is to help ease that burden — to support them with living expenses, medical-related costs, and time — so they can focus on healing, being together, and getting through the weeks and months ahead.

If you’re able to donate, please know that every contribution matters, no matter the size. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page and keeping the family in your thoughts means more than you know.

They have shown up for this community again and again.

Now it’s our turn to show up for them.

Thank you for your kindness, love, and support.