News Release
February 18, 2014 

$31,000 raised for Shuswap trails through celebration 

The Shuswap, British Columbia – Once again a sell-out crowd made it clear – growing Shuswap greenway trails and paths is important – but it’s also going to be fun making it happen along the way. Over $31,000 were raised at this year’s annual Shuswap Trail Party and Fundraiser on February 7th, launching the annual regional greenway trail initiative forward into its 10^th year. “We are humbled, overwhelmed, and excited for 2014 with the regions’ enthusiastic endorsement towards our efforts,” says Shuswap Trail Alliance chair, Winston Pain. 

The event brought together 450 local business and community leaders throughout the region to share, celebrate and raise the foundational funding for the year. And a remarkable 30 volunteers pitched in to make it all happen, including the core planning team of Winston Pain, Margaret Moores, Cathy Bartsch, Cynthia Langford, Bev Gosling, and Joan Mitchell. 

The ever popular band, Scarecrow, was back alongside EZ Rock’s, Patrick Ryley, to set the musical atmosphere and get folks dancing. Blue Canoe Bakery and Café cooked up local culinary edibles, along with with support from Wildflight Farms, Askews Foods, and Happy Days Dairy. The Salmon Arm Fire Hall #3 team tended bar featuring local microbrews from the Barley Station and wines from Larch Hills Winery. 

“We were really pleased to welcome the Okanagan Enacatus student team back again,” Winston said. The ENACTUS student organization (“Entrepreneurs in Action for Us“) provided critical volunteer support managing security, assisting with ticket and auction sales, and driving everyone home safely – supported by vehicles sponsored by Braby Motors, Hilltop Toyota, Jacobson Ford, and Salmon Arm GM. 

Over 110 businesses, organizations, and individuals stepped up to sponsor the event, including this year’s Platinum wheel house of Waterways Marina & Resort, Twin Anchors Houseboats, EZ Rock 91.5, Skookum Cycle & Ski, Ridetech - The Bike Shop, Trailheads Cycle & Ski, Salmon Arm Observer, Podollan Inn, DanCor Electric, and K3 Cat Skiing. 

“There’s a real sense of all being in this together,” acknowledges Winston, “Featuring these local businesses who help to get us outdoors and active complements the work of all the partners the Trail Alliance is able to support.” And if the sell-out event is any indication, there’s another busy year of Shuswap Trails ahead. 

The Shuswap Trails progress report for 2013 is telling, with over 50 projects completed this year by more than 40 trail partners throughout the region including 14 new trails, over 160,000 meters of trail maintenance, 32 volunteer trail events, 280 signs, 15 interpretive programs, 13 regional displays, 3 conservation projects, a sixth printing of the Shuswap Trail Guide with Shuswap Tourism, maintenance of the Shuswap Trails website and the online trail report program. (Get the full report at this year’s upcoming Shuswap Trail Alliance AGM and Slide Presentation – March 5^th, 7 pm, at Okanagan College, Salmon Arm.) 

“What we’re able to do each year by working together is inspiring,” acknowledges Shuswap Trail Alliance executive director, Phil McIntyre-Paul, who points to the critical role of municipal, regional, and provincial partners who have been instrumental. “Add to that the ongoing work of our long-standing trail stewardship clubs like the Larch Hills Nordic Society, EQ Trails, Skmana Ski Club , Shuswap Outdoors, SABNES, the Pileateers, and the Salmon Arm Greenway volunteers – well, it’s clear – the Shuswap is serious now about getting people active and outside.” 

To find out more about Shuswap Trails throughout the region and links to partner trail stewardship organizations visit www.shuswaptrails.com. 

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Photo Caption: Members of the Okanagan College ENACTUS group hook up with some of the other volunteer trail stewards to help out with the 2014 Shuswap Trails Community Fundraiser raising $31,000 for trails throughout the region.

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