Shuswap Trail Alliance staff (from left to right) Hanka Mosher, Jen Bellhouse, and Adrian Bostock with Barley Station Brewpub owner Stu Bradford. (Photo credit: STA)

By Pete McIntyre

Money and products donated

Trail group thanks community for its support

Aug 29, 2021 | 10:00 AM

Leaders of a non-profit group that facilitates new trails in the Shuswap says they have been blown away by the support of the community over the last year.

The Shuswap Trail Alliance (STA), which relies on its annual fundraiser and community support, had expected a lean year or two, as a result of the pandemic, but they have been pleasantly surprised. Since June of 2020 the STA has received several large anonymous donations facilitated through Canada Gives.

“We respect the privacy of the anonymous donor,” said Executive Director Jen Bellhouse, “but if you’re reading this, we do want the donor to know how much these donations mean to us and how incredibly grateful we are.”

In early-2020 Ian Gray’s Salmon Arm GM donated the use of two new trucks for a year. The trucks could be seen around the Shuswap, and at the trail heads, displaying the STA’s and GM’s logos, along with SASCU who have contributed to the maintenance of the trucks.

“In 2021, Ian again provided the STA with a truck for our staff to use. The trucks have been monumental in the ability to carry on with field seasons in 2020 and 2021 as COVID-19 created many restrictions, including the number of staff that we can have in one truck,” Bellhouse remarked.

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Truck donated by Ian Gray’s Salmon Arm GM and the Shuswap Trail Alliance (STA) 2021 Field Crew (from left to right) Silas Hecker, Nick Matyas, Mirella Ramsey, Nate Chorlton, Sofia van Varseveld, and Keeya Corbett with Executive Director Jen Bellhouse. (Photo credit: STA)

Two businesses in the region this year participated in matching donation programs. Staff at Salmon Arm Investors Group Financial Services donated funds which were matched by national Investors Group Financial Services contributions, and Pro Air ran a program earlier in the year where they matched customer donations directed to the STA.

Shuswap Clothing and Shoe Company celebrated their 100th anniversary this summer, and when store owner Gerald Forman was asked about donating funds to a charity of his choice, he chose the STA.

The Barley Station Brewpub continues to support the STA with the Shuswap Trail Ale IPA donating a portion of proceeds from every Trail Ale sold.

“We recognize that 2020 and 2021 have been difficult years for many in the Shuswap and in a time where there doesn’t seem to be a lot of light, we wanted to share our appreciation and gratitude for the folks that are supporting the STA,” Bellhouse commented. “We have many more sponsors than those mentioned here, and we are grateful for each one of you. Along with a couple of grants, the community support that we have received has us in a very strong place for 2021 and 2022, so from the bottom of our hearts – thank you.”

The contributions of sponsors allow the Trail Alliance to work with regional partners throughout the year. The funds are leveraged with matching grants, other donations, in-kind contributions, dedicated community project budgets, and an extraordinary contribution of volunteer time to grow local greenway trails throughout the region.

“By working collaboratively, rural communities of the Shuswap gain the combined benefits of a focused and skilled support team able to provide planning, community consultation, design, and trail building expertise normally only possible in larger urban centres,” Bellhouse explained.

The STA has supported the growth of over 143 kilometres of new greenway trails throughout the Shuswap valued at over $2.5 million dollars since 2005.

For more on the work of the Shuswap Trail Alliance and Shuswap Trails, visit their website.

by Pete McIntyre

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