The Sicamous to Armstrong link will be the next major connection.

Image Credit: Submitted by Columbia Shuswap Regional District

The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail has received a large donation that will allow it to expand the multi-use trail between Sicamous and Armstrong.

Askew’s Foods donated $100,000 to the rail trail to expanded from Sicamous to Armstrong.

“The Sicamous to Armstrong Rail Trail will be a wonderful addition to an already extensive trail network that we are so fortunate to have here in the Shuswap. Askew’s is honoured to be a contributor to this wonderful initiative,” David Askew, president of Askew’s Foods, said in a release.

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Askew has a special interest in supporting healthy living and views the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail as an important piece of greenway infrastructure that will encourage outdoor activity on bike or on foot.

“Askew’s Foods has been a community champion of the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail from the beginning, and we are so grateful for their incredibly generous donation," Alex de Chantal, Fundraising Strategy Coordinator said. "Together, with the support of rail trail donors like Askew’s Foods, we are going to build a world-class multi-use trail connecting communities from Sicamous to Armstrong while unfolding the true story within Secwépemc territory.” 

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This isn't Askew's first donation. In December 2020, Askew’s collaborated with the rail trail owners to kick-off the fundraising campaign by selling rail trail greeting cards in-store and matching all sales up to $20,000. Askew’s matched the card sales with a $7,040 donation. The greeting cards will be available again this holiday season at Askew’s Foods in Shuswap.

The Shuswap community foundation encourages corporate and community donors to support the rail trail project by making donations. All contributions are tax deductible, and every dollar donated gets leveraged for grants and turns into more trail on the ground.

For more information or to donate, visit the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail website. 

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