Trail donations 'crucial'

An October matching campaign for the Okanagan Rail Trail has netted over $300,000 in donations so far but organizers hope to keep the funds chugging upward before the month ends.

While donations have been substantial, they are far below the $500,000 target.

Still, rail trail ambassadors have thanked both corporate and community efforts, especially in Vernon.

Just last weekend, a huge Kal Tire garage sale and market brought in $8,785.75 with the tire company topping that up with an additional $5,000.

As well, Vernon's 100 Men who Give a Damn contributed $10,400.

Both of those donations will be doubled by a group of anonymous donors, who have agreed to match all donations this month to a total of $500,000.

If successful, the campaign would bring in $1 million towards construction of the 50 kilometre trail between Kelowna and Coldstream. 

"This last week of the October matching campaign is crucial, and I still think we will see donors come forward who want to make their donations go further,” said Laurie Postill, trail ambassador. "The garage sale provides a great example of a business supporting their staff and community initiatives.”

The group says donations can still be made online or or by contacting the Community Foundation of North Okanagan or Central Okanagan Foundation.