The Shuswap TrailRider Program

The intention of the TrailRider program is to provide opportunities for physically disabled and less mobile individuals to experience the outdoors. The volunteer portion of the program will allow interaction, education, leadership, teamwork, and empowerment. Isolation due to barriers is a real problem in the disability world. It would be a program that enables the physically disabled and less mobile individuals to gain self-esteem, enjoyment, and increased independence. Health, wellness and quality of life should be inclusive within our community. The values from the TrailRider experience  for both the physically disabled and volunteers are as follows; personal growth, independence, self-esteem and self-confidence, personal values, specific skills, personal relationships, appreciation and acceptance of diversity, leadership capacity, fun and laughter, exciting and fulfilling volunteering experiences. The media came to Salmon Arm and shot a story at McGuire Lake.

 

History

In 1979 Sam Sullivan broke his neck in a skiing accident and became a quadriplegic. In 1985 Sam founded the BC Mobility Opportunities Society, BCMOS, to make it possible for people with disabilities to experience the great outdoors. Here is a youtube video of Sam in the back country (looks like an adventure ).

Sam recruited engineers and technicians to create a customized assistive device for people with disability hence, the TrailRider was formed.

3 thoughts on “The Shuswap TrailRider Program

  1. Hi, my name is Rob Buchanan and I work for Parks Canada in Revelstoke. We recently received a facebook message from Debra Gautheier_McDonald wondering if Mt Revelstoke would be interested in participating in a demo day of the TrailRider on July 18th. We are definitely interested in discussing this further. Thanks for contacting us. Please call me at 250.814.8057 or email me at rob.buchanan@pc.gc.ca. Looking forward to speaking with you,
    Rob Buchanan

  2. Debra,
    I had a request for information from Graham at Paddle Canada. My tel number is 647 267 1221. We offer adaptive kayaking and canoeing. One of our board members really wants the adapted SUP so we have a Gofundme going for it. Unfortunately, I have not had time to push this. Graham says you would like some more ideas for funding – always the non profit pastime. We try everything we can: annual fundraiser, bring and buy sale, soliciting local businesses….applying for grants (this one seems to be getting more difficult)… If you wish to chew over ideas it would be great to talk with you.

    regards
    Pauline

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