Students in Lake Country are joining together to raise funds for the Okanagan Rail Trail.

鈥淚t鈥檚 something that will add to the community and everyone who puts in a little bit helps move it along,鈥� said rail trail ambassador Bob Hodgins, who has organized a student-driven campaign.

鈥淚t gives the child an opportunity to participate and feel some ownership in this.鈥�

Lake Country residents can get involved by donating by cash, cheque or online through the Okanagan Rail Trail .

The three elementary schools, Davidson Road, Peter Greer and Oyama Traditional, along with George Elliot Secondary are collecting pledges.

鈥淚 think it鈥檚 a great legacy that鈥檚 being planned to be left in our community and I think it鈥檚 a great opportunity for our students who are here currently to be a part of it taking place,鈥� said principal of Peter Greer, Karen Switzer. 鈥淭hey can look back and say 鈥榯his was being created.鈥� It鈥檒l be something that鈥檒l be around for a long long time.鈥�

Grade 2 to 12 students will be collecting money from their families and friends in Lake Country.

Students who raise a minimum of $160 will be entered for a chance to win prizes like a bicycle, a plane trip around the valley, and those who raise more than $25 are entered into a draw for gift bags.

Gift certificates and coupons will also be given to the students during a hot dog lunch at Swalwell Park on May 5 when students will walk from the park to Lodge Road and then to the rail trail.

Doug Meraw teaches P.E. at George Elliot said the rail trail is an important project in the Lake Country community.

鈥淥ur plan is to have the high school kids come out and line the route and cheer on the elementary school kids as they take on the route,鈥� he said. 鈥淭o be able to use it for hiking or biking it鈥檚 such a great community purpose. The rail trail is just going to be fabulous for the community.鈥�