Local philanthropist makes donation to Okanagan Rail Trail

KELOWNA – With the latest donation to the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative, every week the project gets closer to its fnearly $8 million fundraising goal.

North Okanagan resident and philanthropist George Galbraith has donated $150,000 towards the trail. Galbraith will also match all donations made before July 1, 2017 up to $150,000. All together, this could mean $450,000 for the campaign.

“Celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday, I am making a two-pronged donation towards the fantastic legacy of the rail trail,” Galbraith said in a press release.

The initial donation is in honour of Galbraith’s parents and grandparents, who were both highly involved in the Okanagan community, the release says. Galbraith’s grandparents, John and Frances Galbraith, and Harold and Effie Ewer were all pioneers in the early 1900s.

“I want to see the trail developed so that it is safe and enduring, and finished soon, so I can enjoy biking the trail with my grandchildren,” Galbraith says.

The campaign is over halfway to raising the needed $7.86 million in order to finish the trail.

The 48.5 kilometre trail runs from Coldstream to Kelowna along the discontinued CP Rail corridor.

Find past stories on the Okanagan Rail Trail here. 

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