Submitted
October 26 is a very big day for the Cumberland Forest and the whole Comox Valley is invited to join in and make fundraising history at the Perseverance Party for the Forest, from 1-5 p.m. at the CRI in Cumberland.
This event marks an exciting benchmark for the Cumberland Forest.
“We’re at a very exciting place in our campaign”, says Cumberland Community Forest Society chair Andrew Nicoll.
“We’ve just reached the $400,000 mark in our fundraising and we currently have $8,000 per month in monthly donors. There is huge momentum right now, our profile is significant, and the level of community support is incredible.”
Part of this momentum is due to a secret donor who has agreed to match 100 per cent of funds raised on Oct. 26 through both the 10th anniversary Perseverance Trail Run and a community after-party called the Perseverance Party for the Forest.
“We are so delighted to be collaborating with Sarah Seads, Lene Curts and the Perseverance Trail Run this year to organize two events and a raffle that have huge fundraising potential for the Cumberland Forest,” says Meaghan Cursons, co-ordinator for the Cumberland Forest campaign.
“The Perseverance Trail Run is managed by Sarah and Lene and we’re tasked with the Perseverance Party for the Forest, an after-run party which is open to people who do the run and the general public. We’re selling 350 tickets for this event, which features a gourmet chili cook off, massive silent auction, Forest Fairy Circus performance, craft beer tastings and more!”
Local catering companies on board for the gourmet chili event include Beez Kneez Catering, Guerrilla Food Company and Gourmet Girls. Phillips Brewing is bringing all the beer and there will be other tasty treats.
The silent auction features sailing charters, massage, hair and aesthetics, food and drink, fine art, ski passes, advertising, clothing, chocolate, a cruiser bike, accommodations, festival passes and much more!
“This day is all about coming together to have fun and raise as much money as possible to protect our special forest,” says Cursons. “Tickets are going fast so we encourage folks to pick them up at the Wandering Moose, Riders Pizza or Extreme Runners as soon as possible.
“Remember, every dollar raised from the run, party tickets, the silent auction and the beer will be matched!”
Can’t make it to the race or the party? Pick up one of the Perseverance Raffle Tickets at any of the ticket outlets. Or you can go to the Cumberland Forest canadahelps.org page and make a donation to the “Perseverance Trail Run Fund”, all contributions made to this fund before October 26th will also be matched.
The Cumberland Community Forest Society is a grassroots community organization raising funds to purchase and protect privately owned forest lands surrounding the Village of Cumberland.
To date they’ve purchased 72 hectares to be protected as parkland, all through community fundraising and private donations.
And they’re at it again.
The Cumberland Forest crew is in the process of working to purchase an additional 52 hectares of forest lands for $1.2 million.
This beautiful forest is filled with mountain biking and hiking trails, at-risk species, two watersheds, coho salmon bearing creeks, heritage landmarks and more. The extensive trail systems are used by visitors from across the Comox Valley, Vancouver Island and beyond.
This forest is directly adjacent to the Village of Cumberland and has a direct impact the local and regional economy and the quality of life of residents. There are imminent plans to log this forest.
To find out more about the Cumberland Forest visit www.cumberlandforest.com