Comox Valley Land Trust's Save Puntledge Forest community campaign is about 80 per cent funded, with around two months left in the campaign period.
"We're working to raise the $2.4 million total cost of acquiring the final 37 hectares (91 acres) of timber reservation on BC Hydro鈥檚 lands along the Puntledge River," says CVLT's December update. "Since our campaign launched in late June, we've raised almost 80 percent of the purchase price!"
The community fundraising goal is $500,000, $400,000 of which has already been raised. A group of donors has also pledged to triple donations received before the end of the year. These donors are Frank and Bobbi Denton, Gael Arthur and Rick Helmer, and two more donors who wish to remain anonymous, according to the CVLT website.
"In other words, for every dollar donated by the public up to $150,000, these donors will give two dollars to a maximum of $300,000!" the website says.
There are two parts of the fundraising effort. The community effort, as detailed previously, and the grant and foundation side. CVLT has confirmed funding from five foundations, according to the update, and is waiting to hear from at least a few more foundations. So far, $1.4 million has been raised through that process of a $1.9 million goal.
"We thank the many donors who have contributed to our campaign," the update says. "We are hopeful that we are on track to raise the entire amount before the deadline of February 17, 2025."
