by Alex Northey, Ensuring Financial Capacity Committee Chair, GDTA
I would like to start off by saying thank you to every person and company that donated to the 2022 Trail Supporter Campaign. Every donation from $20 to $2,000 all add up in the end to fund the trail we all love.
2022 was another year of growth for the Great Divide Trail Association (GDTA). There were more trips, more trails and bridges built, more connections made, more meetings and more emails sent than ever before. And as we look to 2023 we want to do even more trail work, which of course comes with increased costs. The Ensuring Financial Capacity committee undertook the planning and execution of the Trail Supporter Campaign to help fund all of the work that needs to be done on the trail. What followed was a lot of planning, writing and posting by every member of the committee. Letters were sent via the good old-fashioned mail, three different emails, and twelve social media posts including pictures were written for Instagram and Facebook, and the response was overwhelming.
The original fundraising goal was set to be $10,000 but after some discussion and knowledge of the lofty goals the GDTA has for 2023, we decided on $25,000 to be the official goal. We knew it would be a lofty goal, but one that was worthwhile pursuing. And after all the dust had settled, I am happy to say we reached that goal! In total, we had over 130 donors, both individuals and businesses who in total raised $30,014. Incredible! All of this money will go directly to the trail, whether that is bear lockers that are needed at Blueberry Lake, trail clearing in Section G, green throne toilets along the trail, helicopter time and much more.
In closing, the Great Divide Trail is for you. To walk, hike, camp and enjoy when you have the time. It’s a place to spend with friends or in your own company for peace and quiet. It can be a lovely day adventure or an adventure of a lifetime if you choose to hike the full trail distance. The trail can be all these things because of the folks who donated to our Trail Supporter Campaign and organized the campaign; without them none of this would be possible.
Thank you and happy trails!
