"On April 13th, 2023, I lost my mentor, colleague, and dear friend, Michael Elmer Shay. He was a well known character in the community of Manotick where we worked alongside at our loved garage for many years. Mikey was a stand up human and mechanic. It was my privilege to learn from him and love him for as long as I was able to.
Here are a couple of things you should know about him:
- He would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it, even if he needed it more.
- He loved his Christmas tree so much that he left it up all year around.
- Like many people, he struggled with addiction. He never failed to get back up, no matter how many times he got knocked down. He was the definition of resilience.
To honour and celebrate the warm, kind and lively spirit of Mikey,
I founded The Shay Way: A charitable endeavour, and an umbrella name for many events, all supporting a cause that I know would be near and dear to his heart, The Ottawa Mission.
He would be proud to have his memory honoured by extending a helping hand to those who need it most. Thank you for your continued support over the years. It allows me to continue to help some of the most vulnerable people in our community in a way that honours Mikey."
- Hannah
Mike Shay
03. 29. 1957 - 04. 13. 2023
The Shay Way
Events
Mittens from Mikey is an ongoing collection of winter woolies and other essential items including men's new or gently used: hats, mittens/gloves, winter coats, warm socks, boots, clothing, toiletries. Each year, a large donation is made to The Ottawa Mission before Christmas, to help those in need, during the holiday season. Donate at Manotick Garage, 5549 Manotick Main St.
The Shay Way Memorial Car Show is an annual event held at Taste of Manotick. For over 18 years, Mike worked hard at keeping Manotick residents vehicles safe for the road. The car show welcomes all makes and models of cars, trucks, bikes and other equipment. No registration fee required - Instead, we ask for a donation to Mittens from Mikey. It's a "come as you are, bring what you can" event. Local sponsors donate fantastic prizes that are raffled off to support a monetary donation to The Ottawa Mission for Thanksgiving meals.
Mitten's from Mikey collaborates with Manotick's Annual Christmas in The Village event.
The Shay Way enters a team under The Ottawa Mission in the annual Coldest Night of the Year event.
An evening of hope, connection & community. The Ottawa Mission celebrates their FSTP graduates, and hosts an unforgettable culinary experience for guests, plus silent and live auctions. All proceeds go to funding their remarkable FSTP initiative. The Shay Way is proud to volunteer at this annual event.
Mitten Madness
A flash event of Mittens from Mikey. Instead of hosting a long term, ongoing collection of donations, we host a 1-2 day to support emergency situations.
Thank you
Thank you for your continued support. Giving a little can change a lot.