Vehicle Needed to Keep Okanagan Forests Clean

My name is Sheila Kerr and I am one of the original members of the Okanagan Forest Task Force, a group of volunteers who have removed nearly 900,000lbs of garbage from Okanagan forests. Since well before the Task Force began 8 years ago, I've been dedicating my spare time to removing large volumes of garbage from our forests, extinguishing abandoned campfires, and helping out folks who are stuck or stranded in the backcountry.

On March 18th, my 4-door Suzuki Sidekick died while carrying several large garbage bags filled with trash I hauled out of the bush. While waiting for the tow truck, I filled another large bag with garbage from the side of the highway. I have since learned that my Suzuki needs a new engine, and I do not have the resources for that. I work hard doing odd-jobs, but am left with little-to-nothing after paying my rent and bills each month.

I have been offered a deal on a reliable 2001 Ford Escape for $3,500 plus my Suzuki. I am presently borrowing a little car from a friend who is injured and can't drive, but I had to promise to keep it on pavement and not use it for garbage. We've got a large clean-up fast approaching, and I need to do some scouting and assessment on 4 vehicles we're hoping to remove from a creek down a steep ravine. I need to get into a vehicle of my own ASAP.

I've come up with some of the money, but I still need about $2,000 to cover the balance. I promise it will make a hugely positive impact on our Okanagan forests and watersheds.

Thank you for considering.