With less than two weeks left for donations to be matched, Okanagan Rail Trail ambassadors hope interest remains steady.
Since Oct. 1, when a matching campaign began, $126,000 has been raised.
“We had hoped for a strong campaign that would increase our ability to be successful with large upcoming grant applications, and prepare for substantial work next spring,” said Brad Clements, with the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative.
“If fundraising momentum slows, it will take us longer to get a properly constructed trail. It would also be unfortunate to not to take advantage of the $500,000 opportunity the group of seven anonymous trail supporters have provided.”
One of the group of seven that has pledged $250,000 by Oct. 31 says her enthusiasm is unwavering.
“I am totally behind this project. It is so much more than a trail, and will have so many regional benefits,” she said.
The ORTI is currently working on an application for the Rural Dividend Fund, and will apply for Bike B.C. grant.
“Both of these grants, require base funding for the trail that will come from donations. The more donations secured this fall, the better the probability of receiving these grants, potentially worth more than $1.3 million combined,” said Clements.
Donations can be made at okanaganrailtrail.ca/donate or contact the Community Foundation of North Okanagan at 250-542-8677 or the Central Okanagan Foundation