The Shuswap Trail Alliance (STA) is bidding on ongoing community support to continue building towards its vision of Connected Trails and Healthy Communities.
On Friday, Feb. 7, the STA will be launching its annual Shuswap Trails Winter Online Silent Auction. This fundraiser lays the foundation that allows the STA to work with regional partners throughout the year. Funds received are leveraged with matching grants, donations, in-kind contributions, dedicated community project budgets and an extraordinary contribution of volunteer time to grow local greenway trails throughout the region, reads an STA media release.
"The Shuswap Trail Alliance would like to thank all those that have contributed to the auction in the past and invite you to join in this year to make our trails even greater by making a monetary donation or by donating auction items," said the STA, encouraging monetary donations as they provide the most return, with 100 per cent of all donations "directly developing, improving, building trails for everyone to use." Furthermore, charitable tax receipts can be issued for monetary donations over $20.
Along with the auction, in the new year the STA will launch an online 50/50. This will run from January to Feb. 16. The two fundraisers take the place of the former February Trails Party. However, there will still be an opportunity to gather and celebrate with the return of a family-friendly outdoor event on June 7, 2025 for BC Trails Day.
The STA hosted its first outdoors Trails Day celebration last June at the South Canoe trailhead. The well-attended event included a concert by Shred Kelly. For next year's outdoors event, the STA will have more to celebrate.
For monetary donations, the STA asks "Auction2025' be included in the memo of cheques, and in messages included with e-transfers to membership@shuswaptrails.com. Physical silent auction items can be dropped off at Shuswap Clothing & Shoe Co. (330 Alexander St. NE), or you can arrange for your item to be picked up. Items such as digital gift certificates or creative experiences are also welcomed. Pictures will be required for the auction website.
For more information,contact STA auction coordinator Sylvia McMahan at 250-832-3435 or auction@shuswaptrails.com. Deadline for contributions is Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.
