Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
Local recreation trails in the Copper Country keep our communities physically and economically healthy. In Calumet, the Swedetown Trails Club helps the township maintain the trials and organizes various events during the ear that bring in thousands of visitors. Larry Zurawski says that getting outside into the woods, being active at any time of the year, and meeting new friends on the trail helps residents and visitors take control of their health, physically and mentally.
“And then there is also another benefit. One of our reasons for existing is to figure out how to get people out on the trails to do whatever it is they want to do. But then there’s also the economic aspect. Because we do attract a lot of visitors from out of town, whether they’re here just during the year or for a specific event such as the Great Bear Chase or Great Deer Chase. And so really having people come in to spend their money is another aspect of community health. And I haven’t thought about it in that level of detail, but just doing what we love. Which is building trails, and these projects fulfill an even deeper mission.” Larry Lurawski, President, Swedetown Trails Club
Swedetown Trails Club has been a partner of Giving Tuesday for a few years. In the past donations have helped the club purchase trail maintenance equipment, build new trail sections, and make necessary improvements to the chalet. But Zurawski adds that Copper Shores’ event and staff help non-profits in other ways during the month as well
“It’s been four or five years now and we’ve benefited in multiple ways. I mean the obvious is with with the matching funds. They increase the amount whatever our donors give, the match gives us extra funds to work with. But also all of the extra publicity They’re a central focus of publicity for 30 nonprofits. Who otherwise would have to off doing their things. And then the logistics of this. You have a one-stop shop where you can give your donation and see all of the other organizations. I think I’ve realized is you see these other organizations on their website that are involved in Giving Tuesday. And you realize that on the surface we are all out doing different things. Like the Swedetown Trails Club, we work with outdoor recreation. Other groups work with kids or seniors. Because on the surface we seem very different. But you realize that we are all serving the community’s health in one way or another.” Larry Lurawski, President, Swedetown Trails Club
Giving Tuesday with the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation last year raised over 650,000 dollars from individuals in the community and from friends of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Annually the foundation has provided a match sum to add to the day of giving’s total. Adding up to over 2.7 million dollars spread throughout the copper country over the past six years. Find more information about Giving Tuesday with the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation here and more about the Swedetown Trails Club here.
