We are canvassing your business on behalf of the Heritage Trust in order to raise funds through charitable donations for use in any one of several projects that the society in planning during 1998. Some of the projects slated are:

1. To erect a solar powered sign at Port Essington, thus leaving one light on in a community now abandoned and partially razed by fire. Port Essington's history is very much related to Prince Rupert. At its peak there were five canneries, three hotels, a sawmill and a summer population of over 3,000 people.

2. To map and take historical surveys of other coastal communities such as Claxton, Carlyle, and Haysport.

3. To gather oral history from our elders so that their words can be recorded for future generations.

4. To start small but significant projects such as clearing the trail to the cemetery at Port Essington, building a small dock. and doing a feasibility study into rebuilding parts of the wooden main street (known as Dufferin Street) in Port Essington.

5. To bring back to Prince Rupert the C. R. C., Captain Charlie Currie's wooden tug. This tug played an important role in Prince Rupert's history. We will refurbish her as she was, as a memorial to those who developed this coast.

These are just a few of the society s plans and projects. We need your help. The recent two-page article in Prince Rupert THIS WEEK outlined who and what we are. We act as the guardians of all sites of historical. military and cultural importance on the Skeena River estuary. It is not too late to save our yesterday so that our children and the generations that follow will now be able to see how we evolved how we lived and where.

By becoming a member or corporate sponsor you will receive tour issues of River Notes. the official newsletter of the Skeena River Herita e Trust: you will also have the opportunity learn more about your history, by taking part in outings such as boat trips to Port Essington. and field trips into Aberdeen and Skeena City.

We will soon be able to issue a tax receipt for your donation. so please take some time and think about how you as an individual - or a company - can really make a difference. This is one society whose time has finally come.