A large group of friends and family came together to participate in the fifth annual Shelby Neale Walk for Kids at Brantford’s Waterworks Park on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
The memorial walk serves as a tribute to Shelby Humble-Neale, who tragically lost her life at 27 after a tree fell and struck her camper during a severe storm at Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area in May of 2022.
Her loss was a devastating blow to her loved ones and the community but for those who knew her, she is remembered for her kindness, caring nature and outgoing spirit.
“Shelby as a person was a bright light,” said Debbie Neale, Shelby’s mother. “She just had this energy about her and she loved what she did.”
A graduate of Mohawk College’s early childhood education program, it was Shelby’s love and way with children that inspired her family and friends to start the memorial charity walk in support of the SickKids Foundation.
“When Shelby was about 12, she and I were sitting in the garage one day when somebody came by asking for a monthly donation to SickKids,” said Debbie. “I initially said, ‘Maybe not right now,’ but Shelby spoke up and said, ‘Mom, if we can do it, I think this is something we really should do.’ And we’ve been donating ever since. So, the reason we chose the SickKids as the beneficiary of this walk was because we felt like she had already chosen the charity.”
Neale continued, “She had real passion for children. They used to call her the ‘kid whisperer’ at her dance studio because if there was a little kid that didn’t want to dance, she’d go talk with them and the next thing you know, they’d be putting their hand up wanting to participate. She was an early educator and did some nannying too. Actually, she got very close with the family she had been nannying for, and so they come to walk with us every year too.”
Wanting to recognize Shelby and the person she was, the Neale family hopes to soon reach their $50,000 fundraising goal, with a permanent plaque at SickKids serving as a lasting tribute to her memory.
“We really wanted to do something in her honour, and so if we hit $50,000, which, I think we’re going to do this year, we’ll get a memorial plaque placed on the wall at SickKids for Shelby,” said Debbie.
Shelby’s father Darin Neale added, “Going into the event this year, we were sitting at just over $40,000, and so when we do hit that goal, the walk will continue, but we’re thinking about maybe changing the recipient to a local children’s charity.”
Waterworks Park was one of Shelby’s favourite places, where she enjoyed walking the trails, spending time on the water and fishing at Wilkes Dam. For her friends and family, it was the perfect place to remember their daughter. Shelby’s boyfriend at the time even helped put in an oak tree, a memorial rock and bench in her memory, all sitting along the start of the trail.
During the event, purple-clad participants made their way to Wilkes Dam, walking alongside one another, sharing stories and memories of Shelby and stopping to offer Debbie a hug along the way.
In the end, the family said they were grateful for everyone who participated in the walk or donated to the cause.
“Thank you to everyone that comes out and helps participate in this walk,” said Darin. “We’re successful because of the community; because of our friends and family, and that’s what makes this so special.”
For those who may have missed the walk but are interested in donating to SickKids, the Neale’s said they’ll be keeping the link to donate open for another week or so.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
