Mackey Funeral Home of Lindsay was the first business to commit financial support for maintenance and awareness of the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail. Linden Mackey said, "We believe the trail speaks to the quality of life we all enjoy in our community and it's worthy of our community's support." 

The Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Association launched their Love Your Trail Campaign on Tuesday, October 27, at the new Days Inn and Suites in Lindsay. The event attracted about 100 people to hear from the Association's Chair, Al McPherson and their Campaign Chair, John Hagarty. The two Chairs addressed the status of the Trans Canada Trail and the accomplishments of their association. They also introduced components of their campaign, volunteer Trail Champions, and their first business sponsors.

"I use the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail because I enjoy running and I know that many other people walk or ride their bike on the trail," said Mackey. He continued, "the trail is important to our community because it provides great outdoor, education, and heritage connections."

The sponsor component of the campaign is intended to attract what are referred to as 'Five. Five. Five.' Sponsors. Those sponsors each agree to provide $1,000 to the association each year for five consecutive years commencing in 2016. Campaign Chair John Hagarty said, "our thinking is that we need to establish some assurance of continuity in support of the trail for the next five years." It is believed these key sponsorships will come from five businesses, five service clubs, and five individuals. Additional, smaller donations are expected to help bolster the support offered from the major sponsors of which Mackey Funeral Home is one.

Other businesses have since come forward to support the trail association. Their campaign goal is $125,000, while their objective is to obtain $75,000 from business sponsors.

For more information about the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail or to contribute yourself, visit their site at ktct.ca 

About Mackey Funeral Home

The Mackey Funeral Home is proud of its longstanding relationship with families in Lindsay, Ontario and surrounding communities. It is independently owned and operated by a third generation of caring Mackey family. The 'Mackey' quality of care is renowned throughout this region. 

33 Peel Street, Lindsay, ON K9V 3L9

Phone: 705-328-2721

www.mackeys.ca

By Marnie Callaghan

Two of the best things in life are working outside on a crisp fall day and sharing good food and wine with friends. That’s just what the residents of Reaboro did on a beautiful September day. About a dozen neighbors gathered with chainsaws and muscle power to remove Manitoba maple and dead elm along our five kilometre section of trail. We gathered in the evening for a hearty potluck meal.

The village no longer has a church or school, but we all share a love of this treasure in our back yards.

It’s the Trail that brings us together.

Dear Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Supporters,

It has been another year with lots of accomplishments thanks to our volunteers, managing partners and Board of Directors.

Here is a list of accomplishments for 2015:

1. Held, a very successful first annual Trail-a-thon in May with many volunteers and over 100 students from Mariposa Public School.
2. Hosted a Speakers Series. Welcomed Robin Esrock (global adventurer, travel writer, TV producer and international TV personality) in the spring; and Gary and Joanie McGuffin (renowned explorers, conservation photographers, writers and presenters) in the fall.
3. Completed and approved the KTCTA Business Plan and Fundraising Strategy.
4. Cut grass along the Trail in the spring and late summer. Experimented with a sickle mower. Special thank you to five volunteers and Callaghan Farm Equipment for supporting this initiative.
5. Completed new website with easy to use online donation option. www.ktct.ca
6. Conducted ~80 trail user surveys.
7. Sent out 41 adjacent landowner surveys. Posted report on website.
8. Added 20 new names to the Fred DeNure Donor Wall.
9. Launched new Five. Five. Five. fundraising strategy in October, with four sponsors signed on already.

Our volunteers continue to do many tasks to keep our trail safe and to maintain its quality, such as bridge decking replacement, grass cutting, painting, sign installation, tread repair, gate and barrier repairs, and the list goes on. Thank you.

If you are able to help out financially please use our new online website donation form. Remember tax receipts are issued for all donations of $20 and above. A donation also makes an excellent Christmas gift for someone who is hard to buy for.

Happy Holidays!

Al MacPherson

President, Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Association (KTCTA)

Congratulations to Ted Abbot, the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Association '2015 Volunteer of the Year'!

Travel with us through the heart of 'Group of Seven' country in our presentation on Building the Lake Superior Trans Canada Trail water trail, presented by Joanie McGuffin.

November 23, 2015 - 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Room 250, Fleming College Frost Campus, Lindsay, Ontario