Submitted by Nelson Nordic Ski Club
With the support of more than 300 donors, including local businesses, an anonymous benefactor and significant grants, Nelson Nordic Ski Club has purchased a new snowcat to groom its cross-country ski trail systems at Apex, Busk and Clearwater, just south of Nelson.
The club recently concluded its Love Your Club fundraising campaign, which brought in more than $30,000 in donations from local supporters attracted by the prospect of a long-term relationship with deep, luscious classic tracks and firm, rippling corduroy.
The PistenBully 100 snowcat purchased by the club boasts better grooming performance, improved reliability, operator ease of use, and is more environmentally friendly than the club’s older machines, offering both better fuel economy and lower emissions with its 250 horsepower Tier IV engine.
“We are overwhelmed by the tremendous community support, which has helped us to purchase this new snowcat to manage and maintain our beautiful community trail network for many years to come,” said Nelson Nordic Ski Club general manager Jaime Frederick.
“On behalf of the club, I’d like to thank Nelson and the surrounding area for the amazing generosity and sense of community spirit!”
The club owes a debt of gratitude to past-president Louise Poole and current board director Katie Weir, both of whom were instrumental in securing grants from various organizations, including regional and municipal governments. We also recognize the contributions of current board member Christine Nichol and volunteer graphic designer Nichola Lytle (Pink Dog Designs) for their clever and fun contributions to the recent fundraising campaign.
An anonymous benefactor made a very generous contribution, which includes matching funds for the $30,000 in individual donations, helping put the club in a position to purchase a new snowcat before the end of the current season. The club also acknowledges the generous support of Columbia Basin Trust, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (including specific contributions from Areas A, E, F, H and I), the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust (SIDIT), and the City of Nelson.
While the campaign has met its goal, it is not too late to make a tax-deductible contribution through Nordiq Canada at https://www.canadahelps.org/me/Puyaf79.
Donations may also be made by cash, credit or debit card at the club’s trailhead kiosks at Apex and Busk.