Grey County is partnering with the Blue Mountain Village Foundation to auction a first‑class journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer valued at $4,900. The package, won by Grey County through its membership with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, includes two 'GoldLeaf Service' tickets for the two-day train expedition, spacious seating and personalized service, one night's accommodation in Kamloops and gourmet breakfast and lunches in the dining car.

The online auction will run until August 3 and can be found online at www.bluemountainvillage.ca/foundation/rocky

Proceeds from the auction will be used to create a bursary or memorial award to the Georgian Bay Community School in Meaford in memory of Don Braden. Braden, former president of the Blue Mountain Village Association and chair of the Grey County Tourism Advisory Committee, passed away in 2015.

"Don was a passionate and tireless advocate for tourism in the Blue Mountains, Grey County and across Ontario," said Bryan Plumstead, manager of tourism with Grey County. "Ever since his passing we have been looking for a way to honour his memory. When we found out we had won tickets on Canada's famous Rocky Mountaineer we knew it was the perfect opportunity to raise money in Don's memory."

Grey County's tourism department is a member of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). TIAC recently held a prize draw for a Rock Mountaineer package and Grey County was selected. Although the package was to be non-transferable, both TIAC and the Rocky Mountaineer were eager to support Grey County's fundraising plan.

With TIAC and the Rocky Mountaineer on board, Grey County partnered with the Blue Mountain Village Association for support organizing and marketing the auction. Don has a tremendous legacy with the association and they were eager to get involved.

"The Blue Mountain Village Foundation's primary mission is to make a positive impact for youth and families in the south Georgian Bay region. We are delighted to promote the Don Braden Memorial Award as a way to support our community," said Catherine Smart, Foundation Manager.

Don Braden had an impressive tourism resume. He served on the Town of the Blue Mountains Integrated Sustainability Committee and the Transition Team for RTO7. He was a dedicated chair of both the Georgian Bay Destination Development Partnership and the Grey County Tourism Advisory Committee, a respected director of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TAIO) and esteemed president of the Blue Mountain Foundation. More of Don Braden's accomplishments can be found on the auction webpage.

More information about the Rocky Mountaineer can be found online at www.rockymountaineer.com

source: media release, Grey County