Why Monthly Giving to Trans Canada Trail is a Great Fit for the Pham Family
Meet the Pham family, based in Edmonton, Alberta. The family of four are frequent users of the Trans Canada Trail: every weekend, Van and Duc Pham bring their five-year-old twins, Ivy and Anna, to their favourite Trail sections. “Our family loves exploring the River Valley Trail system,” Van says, “especially the section near Whitemud Park along the Amisk Wacîw Mêskanaw Beaver Hill Road – City of Edmonton Trail, where the kids enjoy spotting wildlife and listening to the sounds of nature along the scenic ravine. We also love the Terwillegar Park Trail, which has open spaces, great views of the North Saskatchewan River, and a fun mix of terrain for the whole family.”
Van says Ivy loves spotting wildflowers, while Anna’s top activity is skipping rocks in the streams they pass along the Trail. Other top activities? Listening to birds chirping, following animal tracks – and making snow angels, of course!
Inspiring moments in nature led to becoming TrailKeepers
“One of our favourite moments on the Trail was last autumn when we took the twins on a sunrise walk along the Trail,” Van recounts. “The air was crisp, the leaves were golden, and we had the whole trail to ourselves. Ivy was so excited to spot a rabbit hopping across the path, and Anna collected the biggest leaves she could find.
“We ended the morning with a little picnic, wrapped in blankets, watching the river sparkle in the sunlight. It was one of those simple, perfect days that we’ll always cherish.”
The Pham family was inspired by their experiences on the Trail — and seeing the impact it had on their family’s life – to become TrailKeepers: monthly donors who give to ensure that the Trail stays safe and accessible for generations to come.
“My husband and I are both proud monthly donors because we deeply love the Trans Canada Trail. As Canadians, we take great pride in this incredible national treasure that stretches across our country, connecting communities and allowing people to experience the beauty of Canada’s natural landscapes,” Van explains. She notes that in a time when the cost of everything seems to be rising, the Trail remains one of the few places where everyone — no matter their background — can access nature freely. It provides Van and her family with a place to stay active, spend quality time together and appreciate the beauty of Canada’s changing seasons.
“For us, choosing to give monthly just made sense. The Trail is something we use and appreciate all year round, in every season, so we wanted our support to reflect that,” Van says.
Providing consistent support, year-round, by donating monthly
By becoming a TrailKeeper and giving monthly to Trans Canada Trail, donors can provide consistent, manageable amounts of money that add up to a big impact over the year. “Once it’s set up, we don’t have to think about it,” says Van. She views her donations as an investment over time, giving to a cause she and her family care about deeply.
Giving monthly to Trans Canada Trail also provides the organization with regular support, as we work to preserve and enhance the Trail year-round, ensuring that it remains safe and accessible to trail users, in all seasons.
“We know that our contributions are small compared to the immense amount of work needed to protect and maintain the Trail, Van says. “However, we also understand that every contribution makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that this extraordinary Trail remains a place of adventure, connection and wellness for generations to come.”
Learn more about our TrailKeeper program today.
