Celebrating Thanksgiving Back

This September marked our fourth year of running the Thanksgiving Back program, continuing its mission of facilitating visitors giving back to our community. With 70 dedicated volunteers and 7 local non-profit organizations participating, this year’s event once again exemplified the heart and spirit of Revelstoke.

The first weekend of Thanksgiving Back saw volunteers helping out with LUNA, the Revelstoke Railway Museum and the Revelstoke Snowmobile Club. During the second weekend, volunteers assisted the Local Food Initiative, CSISS, the BC Interior Forestry Museum, and the Revelstoke Cycling Association.

While we are still awaiting final data on this year's economic impact, past case studies demonstrate just how significant the program has been for our local economy. According to a report in 2022, Thanksgiving Back brought in over $50,000 in total community spending. This includes $24,500 for program implementation (which directly supported local businesses) and another $25,000 spent by participants during their stay. Local accommodations saw $20,000 in direct bookings, and visitors spent an average of $135 per day on additional expenses — everything from meals to souvenirs.

Beyond the numbers, the program continues to foster community engagement and build strong connections between residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Stay tuned for more insights on how this year's efforts have impacted Revelstoke as we await updated statistics!

To learn more, visit SeeRevelstoke.com.