Shea-Lynn's Butterfly Effect

A not-for-profit whose mission is to increase seat belt compliance and promote safer roadway choices. Countless lives were changed forever that day.

This is accomplished through awareness campaigns, education, school events/assemblies, and community involvement. Background Story:

On May 17, 2021, at only 16 years of age, Shea-Lynn McGaw’s life was tragically cut short suddenly and unexpectedly. She was killed in a single-vehicle roll-over just 10 minutes away from home when the young new driver lost control of the vehicle. Shea-Lynn, who was

sitting in the back seat had just removed her seat belt minutes before to slide over and make room for her friend who was joining her in the back seat of the car. As they travelled along the gravel road heading home, something unexpectedly caused the vehicle to pull to the side of the road. In an attempt to respond to the situation, the inexperienced driver overcorrected, causing the vehicle to flip. It all happened in a matter of seconds and without any warning. Of the three people in the car, Shea-Lynn was the only one who had failed to re-secure her seat belt properly and was thrown from the vehicle and killed instantly when the vehicle landed on her. Her two friends who had their seat belts on walked away with minor injuries. The ripple effect was enormous for the community, bystanders, and first responders. Learning that Shea-Lynn was not secured within a restraint took everyone by surprise, as she was always a strong advocate for the use of a seat belt amongst her friends. The reasons behind the decision to not re-secure her seat belt that night remain unknown, but in hopes of preventing another family from having to experience a similar tragedy and to help keep Shea-Lynn’s loving spirit alive, the “Shea-Lynn’s Butterfly Effect” initiative was born. The goal is to not only increase awareness about seat belt safety but also encourage drivers of today to make safer choices while on the road. While parents know there is an inherent risk associated with their teens beginning to drive, many parents are unaware of the true statistics and risks associated with the choices being made by kids today. Here are some things that you should know:

1) 1 in 4 youth openly admit that they do not consistently wear their seatbelt when they are with their peers. Parents, talk to your kids regularly about the importance of wearing a seat belt, every trip, every time.

2) The use of a seat belt is the single most effective way to protect yourself and your passengers in a crash. Always make sure everyone is buckled up BEFORE the vehicle is in motion and that seat belts remain secured until the vehicle has stopped.

3) There are many myths and misperceptions that contribute to the reasons why one may choose to not wear a seatbelt. Take the time to ask and have an honest conversation about the facts. By addressing the real reasons, maybe you can save a life.

4) Parents, the responsibility is on us. Take the time to have the discussions and set clear road safety expectations, but most importantly, never forget to model the correct behaviour. Youth tell me all the time that they are learning from what they see their parents do. Make sure they are receiving the message of safety first.

5) Parents, empower your teen(s) to set clear expectations when driving with their friends. Let them know that it is okay to have non-negotiable rules in the car and help them problem solve how to address situations where they might experience resistance.

6) Driving comes with great responsibility. Tomorrow is not promised, but it is impacted by the choices made today. Drive responsibly. Drinking and driving, distracted driving, speed, and aggressive driving kill. It’s not worth your life or your passenger’s life.

7) Car crashes are the leading cause of death for youth 16-25 years of age with 80% of all fatalities occurring with a similarly aged driver. Many other Provinces have established restrictions limiting the number of passengers allowed with new drivers, but Alberta does not. Consider implementing your own household restrictions to assist your teen with the transition of learning to drive independently.

8) Lastly, one must never let their guard down when it comes to road safety! It is so easy to settle into bad habits because you think it will never happen to you. That is what we thought. That is what Shea-Lynn thought. But it did happen and continues to happen. Be selfish with your safety and be prepared at all times by buckling up. You never know when the circumstances of the road will change. Shea-Lynn was known for her bright smile and “Be Strong, Never Give Up” attitude. And with this, we, her parents will not have her story end here. One of her friends even told her a couple of months before the accident that he saw her as the type of person that would make a huge impact in the world. He texted her a message saying that she “would be someone who would save lives”. So, in her honour, in memory of Shea-Lynn, help her save lives. Help us to celebrate her life by joining the movement to spread awareness. Sponsorship is welcome so that we can reach more people. We are driven to make a difference!

08/20/2026

💙 Thank you, LeeAnn Roz of Roz Mortgages! 💙

Today, we would like to want to appreciate and thank Leanne LeeAnn Roz, Edmonton Mortgage Associate for partnering with us as our Refreshment Sponsor at the Second Annual Buckle Up Benefit. Your kindness and unwavering support to SBE will not only keep guests refreshed throughout the evening, but will help create an environment that fosters connection and conversation.

With over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry, LeeAnn has aided individuals in all stages of their home ownership journey- from first time buyers, to refinances and renewals, to seniors and reverse mortgages. Contact LeeAnn for all of your real estate needs!

LeeAnn, thank you for believing in our mission and helping make this event possible. Your support is helping us work toward a future where more people get home safely to the ones they love, and to the homes they cherish. 🦋

For more information about the Buckle Up Benefit, visit slbutterflyeffect.org/2026-buckle-up-benefit
-
-
-
-
-
-

Seat Belt Safety | Buckle Up | Road Safety | Community Voices | Fundraiser | Safety Stories | Public Awareness | Safe Driving | Injury Prevention | Family Safety | Community Volunteers | Driver Safety | Passenger Safety | Traffic Safety | Community Education | Sponsor Opportunity | Community Support | Seat Belt Awareness | Safe Communities | Road Safety Education

08/18/2026

Today is National Non-Profit Day! 🎉

Shea-Lynn’s Butterfly Effect is proud to be a charity that supports road safety and community involvement.

Our vision beginning this was to eliminate the number of traffic-related deaths associated with a lack of seat belt use. We want to see to it that no family has to endure the loss of a loved one due to not buckling up. This is what motivates us to attend local community events, schools, conferences, and businesses, as well as build our online presence. 💙

Through thousands of generous community members and businesses, SBE has grown and continues to grow, allowing us to reach an even broader audience. We are so grateful to everyone that has taken part in our cause, be it through a donation, conversation, sponsorship, or volunteering. What started as an unimaginable tragedy has created a message of hope, and we will continue to honour Shea-Lynn by promoting road safety.

Do you feel driven to promote road safety? Want to know how you can get involved? Visit slbutterflyeffect.org/get-involved to explore donation, volunteering, fundraising, and event bookings. We are so grateful for all community involvement and would love to chat with you! 💙

We see the impact that Shea-Lynn leaves on the world every day. We will continue to honour her and her kind hearted, giving spirit. Thank-you all for the support over the years, and happy National Non-Profit Day! 🦋
-
-
-
-
-
-

Traffic Safety | Road Safety | Traffic Safety Awareness | Seat Belt Safety | Awareness | Safe Driving | Defensive Driving | Distracted Driving | Impaired Driving | Speeding | Injury Prevention | Crash Prevention | Vehicle Safety | Pedestrian Safety | Cyclist Safety | School Zone Safety | Community Safety | Public Education | Transportation Safety | Driver Education | Alberta | Edmonton | St. Albert |

08/16/2026

❓ Why Do You Volunteer with Shea-Lynn’s Butterfly Effect? ❓

Whether it’s because you were saved by a seat belt, in memory of a loved one, or because you want to support a local cause, we all have a story to tell. 💙

Today we hear from Courtney, a volunteer with SBE and the mother of a new teen driver. Her story is inspiring, and we had a great time serving the community alongside her at the @‌rotarystalbert Ribfest on August 7th. Thank-you so much for supporting SBE and for raising awareness about the importance of seat belt safety. Thanks for sharing, Courtney!

Are you passionate about road safety? Do you love chatting with others or have another special skill? Volunteer with us today and make a difference in your community! Visit slbutterflyeffect.org/volunteer and fill out your application today.
-
-
-
-
-

Seat Belt Safety | Buckle Up | Road Safety | Community Voices | Personal Stories | Safety Stories | Public Awareness | Safe Driving | Injury Prevention | Family Safety | Community Volunteers | Driver Safety | Passenger Safety | Traffic Safety | Community Education | Real Experiences | Community Education | Seat Belt Awareness | Safe Communities | Road Safety Education | Protect What Matters | Volunteer Voices |

Photos from Shea-Lynn's Butterfly Effect's post

08/13/2026

Shea-Lynn’s Butterfly Effect is pleased to welcome Sharad Protiti to our Board of Directors! 🦋

Sharad works as an Information and Process Improvement Analyst with the Government of Alberta’s Executive Council, bringing valuable professional skills and experience to our Board.

Coming from Bangladesh, a country where road safety continues to be a significant issue, Sharad also offers a unique perspective on seat belt safety and how roadway safety education may be experienced by newcomers to Canada. She has already offered fantastic insights into how we can make our education meaningful and accessible to people from different backgrounds and experiences. 💛

We are filled with gratitude to have such an amazing Board member with a unique perspective. Sharad’s skills and experiences, both personal and professional, are an asset to Shea-Lynn’s Butterfly Effect, and we are so excited to work with her to help keep communities safer and families together.

Let’s all give Sharad a warm welcome in the comments! 💙
-
-
-
-
-

Board of directors | new board member | leadership | community leadership | community impact | volunteer leadership | charity organization | community safety | advocacy | education | public awareness | team introduction | seat belt safety | road safety | injury prevention | driving safety

08/11/2026

August is National Traffic Safety Awareness Month! Are you driving safely? 🚗

As we continue to mitigate summer storms and prepare for back to school, take an extra few seconds to consider your safety. Buckling up takes less than ten seconds and saves lives. Reduce distractions, slow down, and watch diligently for pedestrians.

Let this be a reminder that even the simplest of actions can make a world of difference in ensuring everyone gets home safely. This month and every month, let’s all make a pledge to buckle up and stay safe. 💙

How do you stay safe on the road? Let us know in the comments below!
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

Traffic Safety | Road Safety | Traffic Safety Awareness | Seat Belt Safety | Awareness | Safe Driving | Defensive Driving | Distracted Driving | Impaired Driving | Speeding | Injury Prevention | Crash Prevention | Vehicle Safety | Pedestrian Safety | Cyclist Safety | School Zone Safety | Community Safety | Public Education | Transportation Safety | Driver Education | Alberta | Edmonton | St. Albert |

08/06/2026

Months later, the impact still stands. 🦋

This testimonial was recently shared with us from a teacher who attended the PARTY program with his students. Despite the event being for the youth, our message is still for everyone. It impacts all who hear it, including teachers, support staff, and other presenters. All ages and walks of life can benefit from seat belt safety.

Thank you to Safe Communities of Sturgeon County for having us in to present. Your generosity has given us the opportunity to spread the butterfly effect to over 400 students and teachers.

Shea-Lynn continues to impact others, sending ripple effects throughout the community and beyond. We are so grateful. 💙
-
-
-
-
-
-

Seat Belt Safety | Buckle Up | Road Safety | Community Voices | Personal Stories | Safety Stories | Public Awareness | Safe Driving | Injury Prevention | Family Safety | Community Volunteers | Driver Safety | Passenger Safety | Traffic Safety | Community Education | Real Experiences | Community Education | Seat Belt Awareness | Safe Communities | Road Safety Education | Protect What Matters | Volunteer Voices |

08/04/2026

How have you spent your summer? SBE has been buzzing! 🐝

This year, Shea-Lynn’s Butterfly Effect saw growth in a new way—we welcomed our very first set of summer students, and they have helped us immensely!

We would like to take this opportunity to highlight one of our students, our Education and Program Development Assistant, Rebecca Benyk. Rebecca has worked tirelessly to help design program development surveys and gather data, all of which will further enhance our programming in the future. In the coming months, we will continue to build our programs using the valuable foundations that she has provided for us. SBE is so thankful to have you with us this summer.

This support was made possible by the Government of Canada’s Summer Jobs Grant, which is funded through Employment and Social Development Canada as a part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy program. Thank you so much Employment and Social Development Canada for awarding us with multiple grants for this year and for making the expansion of our charity possible. You are helping us save lives and make a difference in our community. 💙

We are beyond grateful for the hard work of our students this summer. Let’s all give Rebecca some kind words in the comments
-
-
-
-
-

Summer Intern | Youth Leadership | Student Success | Professional Development | Community Safety | Seat Belt Safety | Road Safety | Safety Education | Community Outreach | Future Leaders | Team Spotlight | Learning Experience | Career Growth | Hands On Learning | Community Impact | Non Profit | Charity | Mentorship | Leadership Development | Making A Difference

08/02/2026

💙Thank you, Sam Elias of RE/MAX Professionals 💙

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Sam Elias for partnering with us as our Venue Sponsor at the Second Annual Buckle Up Benefit. Your generosity and passion for community service will ensure that we have a beautiful place to gather and connect.

With more than 24 years of experience, Sam is an award-winning REALTOR® with RE/MAX Professionals in St. Albert. Recognized among the top real estate professionals in Western Canada, he is passionate about helping families find a place to call home.

Sam, thank you for believing in our mission and helping make this event possible. Your support is helping us work toward a future where more people get home safely to the ones they love, and to the homes they cherish. 🦋

For more information about the Buckle Up Benefit, visit slbutterflyeffect.org/2026-buckle-up-benefit.
-
-
-
-
-

Seat Belt Safety | Buckle Up | Road Safety | Community Voices | Fundraiser | Safety Stories | Public Awareness | Safe Driving | Injury Prevention | Family Safety | Community Volunteers | Driver Safety | Passenger Safety | Traffic Safety | Community Education | Sponsor Opportunity | Community Support | Seat Belt Awareness | Safe Communities | Road Safety Education

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Saint Albert?

Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.

Location

Saint Albert

Contact the school

Click here to send a message to the school

Website

http://slbutterflyeffect.org/

Address

Saint Albert, AB

Shea-Lynn's Butterfly Effect

Share

Location

Contact the school

Website

Address

Listing takedown request