By Tom Mark

Rail Trail Ambassador Applauds Fund Raising Success

Jul 17, 2018 | 11:37 AM

Okanagan Rail Trail Ambassador Brad Clements is thrilled the campaign to raise funds to build the trail coming to an end.

The campaign has met its 7.8 million dollar goal with just one more organized event this weekend with the Vernon Silver Star Rotary’s third annual Rotary Ride for the Trail.

Clements the support from the community has been overwhelming.

“We had kind of a stretch goal to get it done in two years. That was kind of to get us think out of the box. We’re so pleased. I don’t think any of us actually really thought we’d be able to do it in two years, it was just kind of a goal. Sp, yeah, it’s fantastic.”

The goal was achieved through the generosity of nearly 5000 individual donors, 62 Business Partners, 43 Campaign Partners, and 45 Trail Ambassadors.

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Clements says one recent fund raising effort is an example of the spirit that led to succeeding.

“Grade seven and eight school kids from Kelowna, from KLO, they had hot dog sales and bake sales and various events throughout their school year and they brought in a cheque for over three thousand dollars.”

He says that’s memorable because the intent of the trail is to have something for future generations.

The newly formed Okanagan Rail Trail Committee is now responsible for coordinating further development, management, and communications for the trail corridor.

Brad Clements says while for many, their work is done but he’s going to stay involved for awhile.

“Until the trail is completely finished, kind of representing the donors, money that people have donated just to ensure it’s spent efficiently and in a timely manner.”

Clements says names of people who made donations of 25 dollars or more will go up on signs along the trail and names of all donors will eventually be posted on the website okanaganrailtrail.ca.

by Tom Mark