New Challenge For Rail Trail

More than 60 percent of the funds needed to build the Okanagan Rail Trail have been raised.

Organizers say that amounts to more than 4.75 million dollars in donations from 35-hundred donors.

The total estimated cost for the 48 km trail between Coldstream and Kelowna is $7.86 million.

Vernon resident George Galbraith will be announcing a new fundraising challenge at Rail Trail events in Kelowna and Vernon this weekend.

Photo: George Galbraith (centre) is excited about this weekend’s Lion, Bear, Fox concert sponsored by Spinners Sound Centre in Vernon. Carl St. John from Spinners says there are still tickets available to the Sunday afternoon Backyard Bash to benefit the rail trail.

Galbraith provided $150,000 to the cause in April, and pledged another 150-thousand to match donations received by June 30th.

Events this weekend will put the total community donations over $150,000, which will be doubled when matched.

“I initially thought that July 1 would be a good day to announce that the $150,000 donation matching challenge had been met,” says Galbraith. “And I am impressed that communities have met that funding challenge already. I want to see us finish the trail”.

“George’s donation-matching has provided a huge boost, and people are donating for the second or third time or more to help finish the trail. Local businesses have also stepped up to host or support fundraising events in Lake Country, Kelowna and Vernon,” says Trail Ambassador Laurie Postill. With a new challenge plus the great line up of events listed on our webpage, the generosity of individuals and our communities will help keep the campaign moving.”

In Vernon, Spinners Sound Centre is sponsoring a backyard concert in upper BX on Sunday afternoon (2-6pm) with Lion, Bear, Fox, a band described as beardy, stompy, soulful rock and roll. More information and tickets are available at Spinners.

In Kelowna, 17 business partners and Trail Ambassadors are offering a food truck and beverage garden event. The June 3rd event will be located adjacent to the Clement Street Rail to Trails, at 1170 – 1186 High Road from noon to 4pm. There will be live music, a variety of food trucks, wine and beer, a raffle draw for a bike, and lots of other fun ways to conclude Bike to Work Week.