Communities Respond to Rail Trail Donation Matching

From Kelowna to the North Okanagan, communities are creatively responding to the George Galbraith Okanagan Rail Trail donation matching challenge.
On April 3, local philanthropist George Galbraith donated $150,000 to honour his parents and grandparents, and pledged another $150,000 to match donations. Already, nearly 2/3 of the matching pledge has been met. This leaves about $55,000 for donation-matching, and several fundraising events lined up over the next few weeks.

“The community response has been phenomenal”, says Galbraith. “Communities from Vernon to Kelowna have worked together and been so creative. Sales of burgers, burritos, olive oil, coffee and nuts, and services including photography, chiropractic, optometry, realtor, and yoga classes, are samples of how local businesses are helping to finish the rail trail. In Lake Country, students and businesses made a huge contribution with a fundraising walk. With fun events planned in each community, it looks like I will be making my matching donation sooner than expected!”

Trail Ambassador Laurie Postill is thrilled with the response. “The matching campaign may be met before the original June 30 deadline. From outdoor concerts to cycling tours, there are many more fundraising events lined up. If you want to be sure your donation is matched, you can donate now, online (okanaganrailtrail.ca) or at either the North Okanagan or Central Okanagan Community Foundation.”

Trail Ambassador Brad Clements adds, “With another successful year of fundraising, the trail can be scheduled for completion. If we all work together we can finish the trail.”
For a calendar of upcoming events, please see: https://okanaganrailtrail.ca/events, or the Okanagan Rail Trail Facebook page.

Photo supplied.