Since our beginning in May 1994, we have encouraged people to explore the natural beauty of our province and to inspire them to love, respect and care for our coastline, to ensure its protection and preservation for generations to come. We have accomplished this by building and marketing the East Coast Trail to the world, and as a result, we have achieved what many considered an impossible dream: the development of a “world-class” destination hiking trail on the eastern edge of the Avalon Peninsula. We have taken what is best about this province, our culture, our history, our communities, our people, combined with the raw natural beauty of our coastline, as our competitive advantage, and succeeded. 

There are few places in the world where residents and visitors alike have ready access to a trail that allows them to experience breathtaking coastal views and pass through 24+ coastal communities, enriching the local economy. As both a magnet for visitors and a recreational resource for residents of this province, the East Coast Trail is a community achievement – a unique partnership of members, volunteers, businesses, communities and governments, all committed to creating and sustaining an unparalleled wilderness hiking trail.

Twenty-eight years ago, this May, on the eastern edge of the Avalon, a group of like-minded people saw an opportunity, the chance to bring people together in nature to celebrate our culture and history. With visions of wind-swept vistas and fog-shrouded forests, they saw a place for community and connection. Something we could all be proud of and from this dream was born the East Coast Trail, a trail that has become a provincial treasure, a tourism and recreational icon, an awesome accomplishment.  

#1 coastline in the world, National Geographic Traveler

#1 motivator for overseas travel, Hospitality NL

#1 attraction on the Avalon, NL Tourism Exit Survey

We have proven that we have the capacity, the capability and the commitment to effectively manage a long trail, wisely invest our resources, and deliver the value promised. From this point forward, we have to demonstrate that we can sustain what we have developed while continuing to grow its value, uniting our communities and improving the well-being of our province.  Achieving “sustainability” is our new dream, a challenge “yes”, and achievable with the help and support of our business community. 

We are reaching out to you, and your organization, today, to partner with us through our corporate fundraising campaign. And while the trail is generating significant economic activity it all flows directly into the local economies of 24 communities, none of the money comes back to the trail. This is the funding challenge we are addressing with this campaign. Connect with us, and together we can make a difference. 

1. Financial: A company donates money to sponsor an event, project, or program.
2. In-Kind: A company donates goods or services to an event, project, or program.
3. Media: A company covers the cost of promoting an event.

The Sponsorship Tiers table outlines five sponsorship levels, their benefits and their value.

• Trailmate/Pathfinder/Trail Blazer: sponsor the overall work plan in general.
• Trail Raiser Champion: sponsor an event: the Trail Raiser “Community Hike” and/or the Trail Raiser “On-the-Go” 
• Trail Guardian: sponsor one or more of our 25 paths

The “Trail Visionary” Sponsorship is also available but is not included in the table. The Trail Visionary is our platinum sponsor, the sole sponsor of the East Coast Trail, including all 25 paths, all events and all communication channels.  Please contact us if you are interested in exploring this option.

Named one of the 10 Best Adventure Destinations in the World by National Geographic, the Trail attracts thousands of locals and international travellers every year. They are a diverse bunch with one thing in common: a profound emotional connection to the East Coast Trail. This connection is shown in their passionate support of the Trail with online posts, shares, and likes — all a testament to their appreciation and understanding of the coastline and the fond memories it holds. We invite you and your organization to make your own connections with this provincial treasure: a partnership that naturally aligns with your own values and provides an opportunity to share your story with a highly engaged and influential audience. When you support the Trail, you help us achieve our mission and, in turn, support a variety of important causes that align with your investment priorities. Environmental Stewardship, Culture & History, Health & Wellness, Rural Development, Outreach & Education, Tourism & Economic Development, Sustainability.

A direct outcome of your investment is a well-maintained, world-class trail that is safe for hikers, protects the environment and continues to fuel the economy of our rural trail communities. Your financial support will help us to sustain the Trail and the association. Your contribution will support the following activities:

• Upgrade and replace 15-year-old trail structures
• Restore trail bed sections damaged by high use, storms and erosion,
• Clear the trail of encroaching vegetation and wind fallen trees,
• Seek legislative protections for the Trail.

Our 2022 corporate fundraising goal is $100,000; a goal we can reach with your support to help us maintain and protect the East Coast Trail. The funds raised will be used to apply for government funding. The projects included will depend on the amount raised and project priorities.  

This funding will provide us with the financial support we need to approach and request additional funding from our government stakeholders, where for every dollar we raise, we can generate $10, i.e. $100,000 can potentially become $1,000,000.