MATR Members Donate $5,070 to Connect the Shores Project
We’re pleased to announce that individual MATR members have donated $2,535 to the South Whiteshell Trail Association's Connect the Shores project between November and December 2024. In keeping with our commitment to implement a matching program up to $2500, MATR will be matching the individual donations from November and December dollar-for-dollar.
Our matched amount reflects donations from individual MATR members. However, we're thrilled that the wider trail running community, including businesses and non-members/attendees from our annual Awards Night, have also donated an additional $2,450, bringing the total community contribution to $7,520.
The Connect the Shores project is creating a new trail that will wind through the wilderness and diverse landscapes at the east end of Falcon Lake, creating a full loop around the lake. The project will provide a new recreational opportunity for trail runners, hikers, and cyclists, and will also help to protect the natural environment of the area.
The trail building portion of the Connect the Shores project was underway in the fall of 2024 and it’s anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2025.
How to Get Involved
If you would like to learn more about the Connect the Shores project or to get involved, please contact the South Whiteshell Trail Association. You can also make a donation to the project online. To date, fundraising efforts have raised $142,421.89 of the projected $165,000 needed to complete this phase of the project. SWTA is has registered charity status and can offer tax receipts for donations over $20.
The MATR's donation to the Connect the Shores project is a significant contribution to the development of trail running in Manitoba. The project will provide a new recreational opportunity for trail runners, hikers, and cyclists, and will also help to protect the natural environment of the area. We encourage everyone to learn more about the project and to get involved.
Additional Information
The Connect the Shores project is led by South Whiteshell Trail Association.
The project is expected to cost $1.5 million.
The new section of trail will be 16 kilometers long.
The trail will be open to the public for free (you must have a valid provincial park permit when in Whiteshell Provincial Park).
About MATR
The Manitoba Trail Runners Association (MATR) is a non-profit organization that promotes trail running in Manitoba. MATR is committed to supporting the trail running community in the province, and advocates for and supports multi-use trail development in Manitoba.
About the South Whiteshell Trail Association
The South Whiteshell Trail Association (SWTA) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the development and maintenance of trails in the South Whiteshell Provincial Park. The SWTA is also responsible for the management of the Falcon Lake Trail System.
While MATR operates on a small budget, helping to create safe and sustainable trail infrastructure that is multi-use in our province is a key part of our mission. Supporting the development of this non-motorized mixed-use trail is aligns with our core mission.
As of November 4, MATR members had already donated $1,740 following the announcement just two days earlier. SWTA is has registered charity status and can offer tax receipts for donations over $20.