Gondola launches new Sea to Sky Legacy Fund

Empowering Community: Sea to Sky Gondola Launches Legacy Fund for Positive Impact

Sea to Sky Gondola along with the BC Parks Foundation has announced a new Sea to Sky Legacy Fund.

This fund will ensure the environment in this beautiful part of the world continues to survive and thrive as more and more people are getting out to enjoy it. “It is time for tourists and tourism businesses to contribute even more directly to protecting and caring for BC’s sacred public spaces,” says Kirby Brown, General Manager of the Sea to Sky Gondola. “The Sea to Sky Legacy Fund provides a simple and effective mechanism for nature-based businesses to make a direct and meaningful difference to the places we all use and love.”

The Sea to Sky Legacy Fund will support projects in four activity areas: stewardship, accessibility, experiences and safety. Specific projects will be chosen annually. Examples include things like engaging visitors about responsible use and safety at trailheads and in parks, building and maintaining trails, wildlife education and research, and search and rescue operations.

“BC’s incredible parks and recreational sites and trails are free to both residents and guests from abroad, but that doesn’t mean we can take them for granted or neglect them,” says Brown. “Governments have a role in protecting nature and so does the rest of society, just like with hospitals, social welfare, and educational foundations.”

The businesses add a minimal fee of $1 or less to each ticket or item, which is then submitted into the Fund. The Sea to Sky Gondola has been piloting the approach in the last few years and has had positive feedback from its customers.

“People are happy to give back so that they can continue to enjoy all that the Sea to Sky region has to offer,” says Brown, who invites other companies to join the original group so that the Fund can increase its positive impacts. “This is a simple, small way for everyone to do their part to keep Sea to Sky beautiful, clean and safe, ” says Brown. “As operators we are happy to help with that. As others join us, it will all add up to something big.”

The BC Parks Foundation, who is the official charitable partner of the BC Parks system, will administer the fund, with guidance from the contributing businesses. The Fund will contribute to park enhancement projects in collaboration with BC Parks and provide microgrants to local organizations selected each year based on their ability to produce tangible results for the continued protection and enjoyment of the region. “We hear a lot about challenges with more and more visitors, and these companies are stepping up to provide creative solutions,” says Andy Day, CEO of the BC Parks Foundation. “This is a great example of how much people in Sea to Sky country care about the region and are willing to do what it takes to keep it beautiful, forever.”