Making an impact

No matter where a contribution comes from – a family, a corporation or a foundation – there is one constant: a desire to protect Canada’s national Trail for generations to come. Discover the stories of just four of our many valued donors.


Anne Jarvis

Kayden, the grandson of Anne Jarvis, finds the names of his great-grandparents on the pavilion.

For Anne Jarvis, taking time to explore and protect nature has always been a family affair.

Anne’s passion for the outdoors was encouraged by her parents, Duncan and Bonnie. The couple would love to hike along the old rail lines in British Columbia with their dog, Gypsy.

Along with her brothers Tom and Andy, Anne was raised not only to enjoy the natural beauty all around her, but also to preserve it for future generations.

As she grew up and started a family of her own, Anne endeavoured to pass down this tradition to her own daughters. “I would always take them out to a trail to enjoy the fresh air and to meet people,” she says.

Anne has been an avid TCT supporter for many years. Most recently, she committed another generous gift to TCT in her will as part of our planned giving program.

Fostering an appreciation of The Great Trail of Canada for generations to come is of great importance to Anne. When her grandson Kayden visited her, she made sure to take him on the Galloping Goose Trail near her home – and to the pavilion where her parents are honoured.

“Over the bridge we go and, to Kayden’s surprise, there were his great-grandparents’ names on the pavilion,” she says. “I explained how they got there and he was so excited.”

“The Great Trail is a legacy that will forever be in our hearts, our minds and our explorations – now and in the future.”


Enterprise Holdings

Enterprise Holdings

When Enterprise Holdings was exploring ways of giving back to local communities to celebrate its 25th anniversary in Canada, supporting The Great Trail seemed like a fitting choice.

“Just like Enterprise, The Great Trail is a unique network that connects and strengthens communities,” said Steven Tudela, Senior Vice President of Canadian Operations for Enterprise Holdings, which owns the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand.

“That means we’re not only operating a key part of Canada’s transportation infrastructure, but also helping to make the country’s roadways, greenways and waterways even more accessible.”

The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation’s generous gift of $250,000 helped to establish the Enterprise Mobility Fund, which helps to ensure all Canadians can enjoy the Trail by increasing accessibility across the country. These accessibility projects include upgrading surfaces to improve the experience of users with limited mobility, developing accessible washrooms and benches on Trail sections and installing guide wires for those who are blind or partially sighted.

Enterprise employees also joined TCT’s supporters and partners to celebrate this fantastic contribution with a special event along the Waterfront Trail, a beautiful section of the Trail in the heart of Toronto.

We are grateful to Enterprise Holdings for their exceptional gift and their dedication to making the Trail more accessible, where possible.


Hatch

Hatch

Dedicated to the pursuit of a better world through positive change, Hatch provides engineering, construction and development services to Canadian and international clients.

In 2018, we were thrilled that they joined our family of supporters with an in-kind donation to TCT.

As part of their generous gift, Hatch completed safety assessments of roadway sections along The Great Trail in the province of Alberta. These assessments will provide TCT with alternative solutions to identify potential opportunities for improving the safety of the Trail.

“At Hatch, we strive for meaningful partnerships within the communities in which we serve and take every opportunity to contribute our skills,” said Mira Vervoorn, regional lead, transportation planning.

“This collaboration with TCT is an example of us trying to create positive change by contributing our time and expertise to achieve practical and sustainable solutions.”


Teck

Teck

Following an incredible gift to support The Great Trail’s connection in 2012, Teck reaffirmed its commitment with a further $1 million gift to TCT.

Thanks to this generous contribution, TCT has created a new funding program to support Trail development in the Kootenays, British Columbia. The funding will support local front-line volunteer groups as they make essential upgrades to their Trail sections.

“The Great Trail connects communities across Canada, giving Canadians and visitors the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty that makes our country so special,” said Don Lindsay, President and CEO, Teck.

“Teck and all of our employees are proud to support this new program to improve The Great Trail and ensure it will continue to be enjoyed for generations.”

This latest donation from Teck follows an earlier $1 million gift in 2012 to support the development of sections of The Great Trail linking together the communities of Trail, Cranbrook, Kimberley, Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford.

Converting interim roadways to greenways, making The Great Trail more accessible and repairing damage caused by natural disasters are among the top priorities for improvement projects supported by Teck’s funding.

TCT is thrilled that Teck has chosen to support front-line Trail groups with this extraordinary gift, and we look forward to working with them to enhance the Trail in the Kootenays.

Thank you