Okanagan Rail Trail fundraising events in Kelowna and Vernon this weekend will also host an important campaign donation announcement.
On Saturday, June 3, local philanthropist George Galbraith will be at the Kelowna Food Truck event, 2 p.m., to announce a new fundraising challenge.
On April 3, Galbraith donated $150,000 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 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’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, noted trail ambassador Laurie Postil.
“Local businesses have also stepped up to host or support fundraising events in Lake Country, Kelowna and Vernon. With a new challenge plus the great line up of events listed on our webpage, the generosity of individuals and our communities will help keep the campaign moving,” Postil said.
In Kelowna, 17 business partners and trail ambassadors are offering a food truck and beverage garden event. The June 3 event will be located adjacent to the Clement Street Rail to Trails, 1170-1186 High Rd., from noon to 4 p.m.
Watch for 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, 2 to 6 p.m., with Lion, Bear, Fox, a band described as beardy, stompy, soulful rock and roll. More information and tickets are available at Spinners.