An anonymous patriotic donor wanting to celebrate Canada Day has offered to match donations to the Okanagan Rail Trail received from July 1 to July 10 up to $50,000 dollars.
The donor, wishing not to receive any recognition, wants to encourage others to contribute to the construction of the trail.
“My donation will build just over 300 metres of trail and by working together, we can create over 600 metres. That’s a better part of kilometre,” said the donor.
Trail ambassador Brad Clements is excited about the news.
“Donations have been coming in every day and the support is fantastic,” said Clements. “If we want construction to start early next spring, however, we will need a lot more and this just might inspire that.”
To date the campaign has received 266 individual donations and 905 metres of trail have been funded.
Trail ambassador Duane Thomson sees momentum building.
“In the last few weeks trail ambassadors have talked with more than 30 businesses, clubs and service groups that are interested in becoming campaign partners and business partners,” said Thomson. “There are also 35 trail ambassadors getting ready to help spread the word this summer.”
The goal to raise $7.86 million is a lofty, yet achievable one.
“Campaigns of similar amounts have been raised in the Okanagan in the past and I believe our communities can rise to this occasion,” said Laurie Postill, trail ambassador.
“If we all give what we can towards the trail and inspire our friends, family and co-workers to do the same, we can build our trail and enjoy this incredible property. Together we can create this legacy for our communities.”
To make a donation, visit okanaganrailtrail.ca or visit the North Okanagan Community Foundation or the Central Okanagan Foundation.
Every $160 donated funds a metre of construction.
The campaign is also looking for trail ambassadors, campaign partners and business partners to help inspire donations.
For more information visit okanaganrailtrail.ca/get-involved.
