By Jennifer Quam

Family and friends have started a heritage trust fund in memory of the late Susan Demaine. The trust will benefit local heritage and cultural groups in the Robson Valley.

The Susan Demaine Memorial Heritage Trust was set up by her family in the United States and by her former colleagues at the University of British Columbia. Sue’s step daughter Dannielle Alan who lives in McBride and runs the Whistlestop Gallery is promoting the trust fund.

“So far these people have donated $1200 to the account and they did it simply because they wanted to do something nice in memory of Sue,” said Alan.

The trust will be administered by a committee including Alan as the administrator, two members from the board of directors of the McBride Museum Society, and others as deemed necessary.

“Sue was always interested in heritage and she loved this place. She wanted to retire here and spend the rest of her life here,” said Alan.

Susan lived in McBride for three years before passing away on August 11, 2006. At that time, she was very involved in many community organizations and economic development.

“Sue was on the McBride Museum board. She founded the ‘Tales of the Robson Valley’, was the Community Development Project Coordinator and designed the McBride tourist’s guide, developed the McBride Chamber and mcbride.ca website, was involved with organizing Canada Day celebrations, and had just enormous energy and expertise,” said Alan.

Alan explained that the trust may fund projects that provide lasting heritage value for the community, if the project is self supporting.

“This trust is in an account at the McBride Scotiabank that requires two signatures to move the money, so people wanting to donate to this trust can know that the money will be kept safe until such time it can be allocated to a project.”

Project application criteria for the Susan Demaine Memorial Heritage Trust will be available at the Information Station in the Train Station in August of this year.