Raising money for the trail systems in Central Alberta is as simple as slipping into your hiking boots, sneakers or sandals, taking a photo and sending it to the Central Alberta Regional Trails Society.
The society is collecting photographs via e-mail to send into Keen Canada. For every photo of feet clad in shoes on a trail, the Canadian outdoor outfitter will donate $5 to develop trails in Canada.
“It’s just a small way that you can make a difference,” said Debbie Olsen, president of the Central Alberta Regional Trails Society. CARTS is a not-for-profit society that has provided information and support on recreational trail development locally for close to a decade.
Olsen said a family of four taking a picture and sending it in would raise $20. “If they enjoy the trails then why not do this small thing to give back?”
She is hoping people at many of the walkathons along the local trails this summer will consider taking photos of their feet and sending them in so they can help two causes at once.
There are up to 10 people allowed in each photograph. If a group of 100 walkers sent in 10 groups of 10 it would mean $500 in funding.
Keen Canada will send the money that is raised to Alberta Trail Net.
Olsen is hoping if they keep track of the number of local feet photos going in that they will reap the full benefits of the funding. Hikers and walkers can send their pictures to info@centralalbertatrails.org until October 31.
CARTS got started with the project Saturday during its Trails Day and annual general meeting held at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. Olsen said they collected around 15 pictures of feet.
Keen Canada will give up to $75,000 towards the project across Canada. The money can be used for trail construction or stewardship, as well as volunteer programs.
sobrien@www.reddeeradvocate.com