Project Watershed has raised more than $2.9 million for Kus-kus-sum and the committee is closer than ever to acquiring and restoring the site to natural habitat for fish and wildlife, climate change mitigation, reconciliation and community health.
“While we have not yet raised the full purchase price of the property, we have successfully negotiated an extension with Interfor to change the closing date to Nov. 30,” said senior Kus-kus-sum project manager, Tim Ennis. “This gives us just over two months to gather the remaining funds, $650,000, for the acquisition of the site.”
Project Watershed is continuing to lobby and apply for funding with the Federal Government, however, they are unsure of Federal Government’s ability to grant us funds in a timely manner and are looking to other sources to cover the gap (the Federal Government has committed to funding a portion of the restoration over the next few years).
Despite the ability to run new fundraising events or attend community events due to COVID-19, some funds have been coming in to support the Kus-kus-sum initiative.
“Over the past month we have received an additional $20,000 from the Ashwell’s in the name of their late son and $15,000 from a longtime supporter who had already donated $17,000,” reports Caila Holbrook, manager of fundraising, outreach and mapping. “The organization has also received additional funds from Engel & Volkers, Catherine Reid Yoga, and Blue Spruce Ice Cream. Holland & Company sponsored the last of the small wooden salmon and a larger wooden salmon to go up on the fence that lines the property. Project Watershed urges people to consider joining these donors in making a contribution or re-contributing to complete the acquisition of Kus-kus-sum.”
Project Watershed has also initiated a letter-writing appeal campaign, to reach out to potential sponsors, as well as government representatives, for help in achieving the remaining necessary funds prior to the Nov. 30 deadline. For more information on participating in the letter-writing appeal campaign, visit the Project Watershed website, at https://bit.ly/3lis3Zq