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News Release: The Shuswap, Secwépemc Nation Territory, British Columbia – The Shuswap Trail Alliance (STA) would like to extend sincere thanks to the community for their generous support of the STA’s 2023 fundraiser!

“We were truly overwhelmed and inspired by the determined support of leaders and businesses in the Shuswap to ensure our collaborative efforts to grow greenway trails and active transportation pathways for walking, cycling, skiing, snowshoeing, EQ riding, and paddling throughout the region continue”, said Jen Bellhouse, the Executive Director. Through the generous support of businesses and individuals alike, in a record breaking year, the Shuswap Trail Alliance raised over $70,000 through their in-person party held on February 03rd and the online silent auction which ran for 2 weeks.

The event would not have happened without the team of extraordinary volunteers for both the party and the online auction.

This year the winner of the $662.50 online 50/50 prize was Rob Johnston!

Top tier platinum sponsors for this year's event included contributions of $1,000 or more from Barb McKinnon & Reg Walters, Mt. Ida Nursery Ltd., BDO Canada LLP, Canoe Forest Products,   Kintec Footwear & Orthotics, North Valley Law, Tina Cosman, Isabel Reinertson & Phil Wright, Lawson Engineering, Bounce Radio/Bell Media, Setter’s Pub & Liquor Store, Mi-Tec Millwork & Cabinetry, Salmon Arm Roots & Blues, SASCU, DeMille's Farm Market, Rochelle Dale Re/Max, Cindy Derkaz - Royal LePage, Proair Heating & Cooling, Barley Station Brew Pub,  Backroad Mapbooks, Braby Motors, Jacobson Ford, Skookum Cycle & Ski , Sorrento Centre, Kal Tire, BC Sound, Dave Peel, Ian’s Gray’s Salmon Arm GM. They joined 132 other community sponsors to support the event and help put in place the critical funding.

Upcoming projects for 2023 include supporting the Sicamous-to-Armstrong Rail Trail, West Bay Connector, and Secwepemc Landmarks and Trailhead Sign projects. They also include supporting East Shuswap Alpine Trail improvements, Loftus Lake Fen Trail, Glenemma, Cliff Ave Greenway, Rec Sites and Trails, BC Parks, Salmon Arm Greenways, South Canoe bike wash station, Chase Creek Falls trail planning, North Shuswap plans, the regional Trails Roundtable, and many more.

The February fundraiser lays the foundation that allows the Shuswap Trail Alliance to work with regional partners throughout the year. The funds are leveraged with matching grants, donations, in-kind contributions, dedicated community project budgets, and an extraordinary contribution of volunteer time to grow local greenway trails throughout the region.

“Again, we want to express our appreciation to our sponsors, volunteers, and bidders. You have secured funds for the trails we love for another year! Stay tuned for some major trail improvements this season”, said Jen Bellhouse.

The STA would like to encourage you to visit the auction sponsor’s stores and use their services – without them the fundraiser would not have been possible.

In total, the event raised over $70,000 to support Shuswap Trail projects throughout the region in 2023. For more on the work of the Shuswap Trail Alliance and Shuswap Trails visit www.shuswaptrails.com.