Submitted by the Nelson Nordic Ski Club
The Nelson Nordic Ski Club is a non-profit society actively fundraising for a new grooming machine.
There have been some real mechanical issues with the existing machine this year, which put it out of service for two full weeks. The machine has 6,000 hours of use and maintenance is very costly. The club needs a reliable, more energy efficient and environmentally friendly grooming machine to provide members and the public with 25 kilometres of groomed trails and programs and schools with an awesome stadium and play area.
With support from the regional district and the club’s own capital funding, fundraising is already at $94,500. If the club makes it to $125,000 then Columbia Basin Trust will help out with $40,000, which reaches the goal of half the funds, $163,442. The club hopes to get matching funds with the B.C. Capital Gaming Grant.
You can help the club get to $125,000 by visiting https://www.canadahelps.org/me/cAntWK6. If you donate before April 2 you will also receive a tax receipt for your donation.
The trend of growth in Nordic skiing is experienced all across B.C. In the past 30 years, membership in B.C. clubs has steadily increased from less than 10,000 to almost 20,000 province-wide in 2019. In the winters of 2017-19, B.C. had the highest recorded levels of enrolment in the youth skill development programs that help build skills of younger skiers so they are well positioned to enjoy the sport well into adulthood.
The ski area maintained by the club is a valued community recreational asset and is supported by Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. for some of its trail maintenance. It encourages an active healthy lifestyle in the West Kootenay and is an asset open to people of all ages and abilities, members and public alike.
Run as a non-profit, the Nelson Nordic Ski Club keeps fees for use very affordable and used equipment can be purchased economically. Cross-country skiing provides an option for outdoor recreation in the winter when activity is harder to find. The club’s events and programs offer opportunities for volunteering with over 100 people actively participating, which helps the club grow and flourish.