Salmon Steward is the official publication of the Pacific Salmon Foundation in British Columbia, Canada
Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1309417
salmon Steward magazine 13 RON SOMBILON L ike most charities, the Pacific Salmon Foundation has felt the impact of COVID-19, and the need for support has been more crucial than ever. As we adapt fundraising due to the cancellation of in-person events, we launched the 2020 Virtual Gala! Objectives were threefold: raise funds, connect and galvanize the salmon community, and broaden awareness of PSF. And that's exactly what occurred on October 22. The livestreamed program delivered the message of how we are all carrying on, together, with our work. From climate change to habitat degradation, our supporters acknowledge these issues and stepped up – to the tune of $350,000 – with pledges, donations and auction bids! A nod to the many fundraisers PSF usually hosts, this event saw a great turnout from our longtime community dinner supporters, as well as new attendees. The night was filled with stories of stewards across B.C. persevering despite COVID-19. Lead sponsor Teck Resources Limited was crucial to this innovative virtual event. Teck, Canada's largest diversified resource company, has been a fixture at PSF's annual Vancouver Gala & Auction, and has served as lead sponsor of our flagship fundraiser for three years. President & CEO Don Lindsay is also a long-standing supporter. Other supporters at the leadership level included: Mosaic Forest Management, Leith Wheeler Investment Council, LNG Canada, Pan American Silver Corporation and the Elliott Family. Special thanks to the Gayton Family of longtime PSF director Bob Gayton, and the Keay Family of Duncanby Lodge for offering a matching fund in support of the Virtual Gala. These generous supporters offered to match up to $50,000 in cumulative donations – meaning that for every dollar donated, the impact was doubled! Danny Sitnam, president & CEO of Helijet, accepted this year's role as honourary chair of the Gala and raised the bar for participation, yet again. Helijet is a strong partner of PSF's through their annual donation, based on flights sold on their scheduled passenger service routes. Helijet also donates a helicopter and pilot for the annual egg-take on the Chuckwalla and Kilbella rivers in Rivers Inlet. " I grew up a city kid, so I never really appreciated the true wonder of nature until I got my first flying job decades ago, criss-crossing northern B.C. and the Yukon by flying a helicopter. I came to appreciate the significance of B.C.'s incredible landscapes and ecology way back in the '70s, and it's something that's never left me . " – Danny Sitnam, President & CEO of Helijet PSF's 2020 Virtual Gala was a landmark event. The breadth of engagement across the province was a breath of fresh air during these difficult times. Although we may not be together now, the Virtual Gala proved that the salmon community is stronger than ever! n Danny Sitnam, president & CEO of Helijet and honourary chair of the 2020 Virtual Gala, poses with his family and the Helijet team at the 2019 Vancouver Gala. PSF Events Go VIRTUAL In the face of a pandemic, PSF's first-ever Virtual Gala raises $350,000 for salmon projects The South Vancouver Island Dinner Committee with PSF's Christina McIntyre (left) in early 2020. The ongoing dedication of volunteers and supporters was key to the success of our Virtual Gala!