Salmon Steward is the official publication of the Pacific Salmon Foundation in British Columbia, Canada
Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1309417
14 Fall/Winter 2020 psf.ca We acknowledge just how challenging the past few months have been amidst this pandemic, and the overwhelming support the Pacific Salmon Foundation has received from the community has truly humbled us. We could not be more appreciative for your generosity. Below, we highlight some of the true Salmon Champions. SALMON Donors Making a Difference MID-YEAR APPEAL DONORS When the world took a pause in March, our donors did not. In the Carrying on, Together! feature (page 8), we highlighted the stories of stewards across the province who were persevering amidst the pandemic to ensure community salmon projects and research continue. These vignettes prompted a surge of online support and ongoing commitments from past donors to step up and make a donation for Pacific salmon conservation. We were able to raise $32,000 for PSF-funded projects. CORPORATE DONORS PSF was overjoyed when our previous partners communicated that their support wasn't going anywhere during these trying times. Helijet continued their commitment to provide cash contributions to PSF on each one-way scheduled ticket sold on flights between Vancouver and Victoria, and Vancouver and Nanaimo. They also generously donated 15 hours' worth of helicopter flying time to aid in the conservation "egg-take" at the Percy Walkus Hatchery in Rivers Inlet. This hatchery aims to rebuild vulnerable salmon stocks, provide harvest opportunities, work with First Nations and coastal communities in economic development, and improve fish habitat to sustain salmon populations. The collaboration between the Wuikinuxv First Nation, Duncanby Lodge, Rick Hansen Foundation, Good Hope Cannery and PSF is a true example of community standing together. Teck Resources Limited was proud to join on as the lead Virtual Gala sponsor with their contribution of $50,000. The night was filled with impactful stories highlighting Salmon Champions across the province putting in the hard work on the ground and in the streams for Pacific salmon. Our thanks to Sitka Foundation for providing matching funds up to $50,000 annually to inspire others to become PSF supporters or increase their giving in support of habitat restoration and research projects in the Georgia Strait. COMMUNTY SALMON PROGRAM/SCIENCE & RESEARCH Seaspan stepped up to the plate with their generous commitment of $25,000 to PSF's Community Salmon Program. Seaspan is a longtime supporter of (TOP) HELIJET; (ABOVE) RON SOMBILON Helijet lends their support to the conservation "egg-take" at Percy Walkus Hatchery. (Below) PSF President & CEO Michael Meneer (left) accepts a socially distanced donation from Seaspan's Peter Lister, new PSF Board member.