Salmon Steward

I n 2015, Pacific Salmon Foundation donors made a big splash for salmon, supporting $5.5 million in grants for 274 projects with a total value of $17.2 million. Here, we shine a spotlight on just a few of those outstanding supporters. The UnsUng heroes of salmon ConservaTion The Community Salmon Program is the heart of the Pacific Salmon Foundation's activities. It funds streamkeepers who volunteer tirelessly, monitoring and restoring local salmon populations, operating community hatcheries and delivering education programs across British Columbia and the Yukon. The majority of funds come from anglers who purchase the salmon Conservation stamp, because 100 per cent of proceeds from the stamp are directed towards the Community Salmon Program. But, businesses also play an important role in supporting this vital initiative. TimberWest has contributed more than $1 million over the years for habitat projects. Other major supporters include BC hydro, newalta, sitka foundation and The Wolrige foundation. a nighT oUT for salmon The Pacific Salmon Foundation's Vancouver Gala Dinner & Auction plays a critical role in supporting community salmon programs. The event hosts about 700 members of the Vancouver business community and gives people a chance to let loose while supporting volunteer-led salmon conservation. For the past seven years, goldcorp has been the lead sponsor, donating $50,000 annually. Other major supporters include Bridgeview marine, f.a.s. seafood Producers, helijet, newgold, ritchie Bros. auctioneers and Tahoe resources. Don mcniece, owner of Bridgeview Marine, has been on both sides of the auction paddle for years, frequently donating items to dinners, and even buying a few himself along the way. 20 2016 psf.ca Salmon C Donors Making a Dierence The Port Renfrew Salmon Enhancement Society preps fish for tagging before releasing into the ocean. A mermaid at the Vancouver Gala bedecks the Tyee table, featuring high-end silent auction items. PHOTOS: (UNSUNG HEROES); DONATED BY PORT RENFREW SALMON ENHANCEMENT SOCIETY; (WHALE SUSHI) JAMIE KORESKI

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