A devastating accident has left a Ladysmith mechanic fighting for his life, but the community he’s long served is stepping up in a big way.
Shane Seifried, owner of Shane’s At Your Door Auto, was a passenger in a serious motor vehicle accident on Aug. 29 while en route to Alberta. He was first airlifted to Kamloops, then transferred to Vancouver, where he remains on life support.
According to his wife, Teri, Seifried has already undergone one spinal surgery to stabilize two of four breaks and will require additional operations. He is now awake for brief periods but cannot yet speak or remain aware for long.
“He has opened his eyes and seen his children and squeezed my hand very tightly, so that was the world,” Teri said. “We're going one day, one hour really at a time.”
Seifried is a devoted husband and father of three children. Known for his honesty, generosity, and deep ties to the Ladysmith community, he built a loyal customer base through both mobile and in-shop mechanic services. His business is temporarily closed while he remains hospitalized.
“He does everything for us, he is our rock, and we need him back,” Teri said. “He does everything for everyone and it’s our time to just be there for him now.”
As news of the accident spread, people began stepping up to help. An online fundraising campaign titled “Help Support Shane and His Family After a Life-Altering Accident” was launched to support the Seifrieds with medical and living expenses. Thousands of dollars poured in within days.
On Sept. 3, Smitty’s Smokin’ Pig, one of Shane’s favourite food trucks, turned their final day at Transfer Beach for the season into a pop-up fundraiser, donating 100 per cent of sales to the family.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, owners Chris and Eric Smith urged the public to show up in support.
“Shane was injured bad. He’s hurting,” said Smith. “So today we want to help the family out. All sales will be going toward Shane and his family. So come down to Transfer Beach, buy some food, have a good time and we’ll all try to help Shane and his family out today.”
The owners of Smitty’s Smokin’ Pig said Shane has been a customer since they first opened more than three years ago, and a lifesaver more than once.
“We were taking the truck to him for its annual government inspection when it broke down — cracked crankshaft,” they said. “He looked at it, priced out a new motor, then found us a less expensive used one at a nearby auto wrecker. Once he had it in his shop, he worked tirelessly to get us back on the road. He knew a small business can’t take much downtime if they want to survive.”
Just weeks later, the replacement motor failed. It was late Friday afternoon. The Smiths called Shane in desperation.
“He worked on it all weekend and called us Sunday evening to pick it up Monday morning,” they said. “He goes above and beyond, not only for us, but for all his customers. We heard countless stories yesterday about what he’s done to help people get their cars back on the road.”
The Smiths later shared that sales and donations from the Sept. 3 fundraiser were “off the charts,” with a rough estimate of more than $6,000 raised in just one day. They said donation jars will continue to be available at future events.
“We’re hoping to do more in the future,” they said. “The bills don’t stop once the road to recovery begins.”
Two additional community fundraisers are scheduled at Transfer Beach’s dog park area on Sept. 12 and 28, hosted by local pet care providers including Paws to Pebbles, Homeward Hounds and Mountain Mutts.
The events will feature nail trims, fall-themed dog and kid photos, baked goods, hot apple cider and fresh rosemary bundles, with all proceeds going to the Seifried family.
Organizers said Shane has long been a go-to mechanic for dog walkers and hikers whose vehicles take a beating on mountain roads.
“Shane and his crew have worked on many dog hikers’ vehicles,” said the team at Paws to Pebbles in a social media post. “We aren’t easy on them heading up the mountains every day.”
“We’ve relied on Shane immensely,” posted Chelsey Taylor of Homeward Hounds. “He and his crew have been a staple in this community. Please join us in supporting them during this difficult time.”
Local dog care business Mountain Mutts echoed that call for community participation in a heartfelt social media message.
“If any of you lovely dog folks have used Shane's At Your Door Auto or know Shane and his lovely family, please consider attending our fundraiser,” the business posted. “Shane and his crew at the shop have kept me on the road and been so accommodating when I need them!”
The Sept. 12 fundraiser also happens to fall on the sixth birthday of Shane and Teri’s son.
“There’s no words I have right now to show how truly grateful and loved we all feel,” Teri said. “The whole community of Ladysmith should be proud of their generosity and beautiful hearts.”
In addition to the online fundraiser, a bank account has been set up at Ladysmith Credit Union for those who prefer to donate in person.
Teri said she’s overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from friends, neighbours, customers and complete strangers.
“I cannot wait to tell Shane and for him to see how absolutely loved he is by the community. All the messages and the support have brought much-needed comfort at some of our hardest moments.”
