The Okanagan has again made an impression on Vernon philanthropist George Galbraith.
On April 3, Galbraith donated $150,000 to the Okanagan Rail Trail initiative to honour his parents and grandparents, and pledged another $150,000 to match donations received before June 30.
From the north to the south end of the trail, communities have been raising funds for trail development in order to meet Galbraith’s donation-matching challenge.
Events this weekend in Vernon and Kelowna will put the total community donations over $150,000, which will be doubled when matched, bringing the total trail development fund to over $4.75 million.
“I initially thought that July 1 would be a good day to announce that the $150,000 donation matching challenge had been met,” said Galbraith. “And I am impressed that communities have met that funding challenge already. I want to see us finish the trail.”
Galbraith will be at the Kelowna Food Truck Saturday at 2 p.m. to announce a new fundraising challenge. A total of 17 business partners and Rail Trail Ambassadors are offering a food truck and beverage garden event.
“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,” said Trail Ambassador Laurie Postil.
“With a new challenge, plus the great lineup of events listed on our webpage (okanaganrailtrail.ca), the generosity of individuals and our communities will help keep the campaign moving.”
Saturday’s event will be located adjacent to the Clement Street Rail to Trails, at 1170 - 1186 High Road, from noon to 4 p.m. 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.
In Vernon, Spinners Sound Centre is sponsoring a backyard concert in upper BX on Sunday afternoon (2-6 p.m.) with Lion Bear Fox, a Vancouver band described as beardy, stompy, soulful rock and roll.
More information and tickets are available at Spinners (3107-30th Avenue).