Happy New Year from the folks BCT
With another slide, glide and crunch underfoot on our beloved trails, Bragg Creek Trails would like to thank you all for supporting our efforts this past year through donations, volunteering or simply celebrating the outdoors with smiles and warm greetings along the way.
We were thrilled to see snow and early season grooming in early December, which lifted spirits and set the tone for a true ski season this year. A huge thank you to our grooming team for getting out there and completing the crucial base work. All grooming equipment is now fully operational, and we’ve been able to put our two new Skandic snowmobiles and the recently added enclosed cab tracked Bobcat UTV to good use.
Another reason to celebrate was our highly successful Giving Tuesday fundraiser held in the first week of December. Thanks to our Trailblazing donor, Cavvy Energy, and our long-time partner, the Rocky Mountain Charitable Giving Fund for their generous matching donations of $14,000 each. And a huge thank you to everyone who contributed. Together, you helped raise a remarkable $83,519.05. We know there are many worthy organizations seeking support, which makes your generosity even more meaningful to us.
These funds will directly support trail maintenance and repairs, winter grooming operations, multi-use trail improvements, wildlife monitoring and stewardship, community programs and more.
While I have my fundraising hat on, I’d like to share that BCT’s Fundraising Committee is actively seeking additional members to join the team. We know there are creative and inspiring ideas waiting to be explored. If you’d like to contribute your ideas or time, please reach out to volunteer@braggcreektrails.org
I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the passing of one of our treasured Board members, Jamie Mackie, who succumbed to his advancing Parkinson’s Disease on December 2. Jamie was a valued member of the Board for the past three years and also led the exciting new Trail Centre Project, currently in the planning stages. While this work will continue in his absence, his financial support for the project will significantly contribute to his lasting legacy of generosity, leadership, and love for the trails.
Jamie was a lifelong user of the West Bragg Creek trails, and this project resonated deeply with both him and BCT’s vision of providing accessible amenities for all Albertans at the West Bragg Trailhead. For those of us fortunate enough to have shared his orbit, Jamie requested that any memorial donations be directed to the BCT Trail Centre Project (info@braggcreektrails.org) or to the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary (hbi.ucalgary.ca/donate).
BCT wishes you all a safe and happy year ahead.
See you on the trails.
Con Schiebel
BCT President
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