From 琉璃神社 to the North Okanagan, communities are creatively responding to George Galbraith鈥檚 Okanagan Rail Trail donation matching challenge.

On April 3, Vernon鈥檚 Galbraith donated $150,000 to honour his parents and grandparents, and pledged another $150,000 to match donations. Already, nearly two-thirds of the matching pledge has been met. This leaves about $55,000 for donation-matching and several fundraising events until June 30.

鈥淭he community response has been phenomenal,鈥� said Galbraith.

鈥淐ommunities from Vernon to 琉璃神社 have worked together and been so creative. Sales of burgers, burritos, olive oil, coffee and nuts, and services including photography, chiropractic, optometry, realtor, and yoga classes, are samples of how local businesses are helping to finish the rail trail.鈥�

Donations can be made by credit card, paypal or debit at https://okanaganrailtrail.ca/donate. Donations by cheque can also be sent to the Community Foundation of North Okanagan at 304鈥�3402 27th Ave., Vernon, B.C., V1V 1S1, or to the Central Okanagan Foundation at 225-1889 Springfield Rd., 琉璃神社, B.C., V1Y 5V5.

The Okanagan Rail Trail Iniative is attempting to raise $7.86 million for the corridor from Coldstream to 琉璃神社.