From its hugely popular park passports to its new 'text-to-donate to kids programs,' BC Parks is big on families, Environment Minister Terry Lake announced today.

While BC Parks has long benefitted from donations, its new mobile-giving program signals a move into the 21st century and donating has never been easier. With the view to nurturing and expanding kids' appreciation and understanding of the natural world, BC Parks is introducing the text to donate program to contribute funds to new kids programs.

All potential donors need to do is text "BCPARKS" to 45678 to donate $5 dollars. The donation will be added to their next cellphone bill and 100 per cent of every donation ($5 dollars for each text with a monthly limit of six texts) will be spent on children's programs.

For example, Learn to Fish, sponsored by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, is a children's program currently offered in some provincial parks. Information about both text-to-donate and Learn to Fish and lots more is available in BC Parks passports.

Kids of all ages can also have some fun with the passports. BC Parks introduced the successful program for the first time last year. It's geared towards families but everyone can join in the adventure. Collect six stamps or stickers and win a prize - it's that easy. Passports are free, good for two years, and can be picked up at any visitor centre in B.C. and most provincial parks.

Passport holders can choose from more than 200 parks or visitor centres provincewide. The idea is to collect six stamps from one or more provincial parks during 2012 and earn a coveted, collectible Jerry the Moose pin, and earn another, different pin, the following year. Also, for every six unique Visitor Centre stickers, the reward is an environmentally friendly water bottle.

Along with the chance to collect stamps and stickers to win awards, the passport includes advice on trip planning and Visitor Centre coupons.

Planning a picnic, day hike or camping trip? Don't forget - last year the Province eliminated parking fees in all provincial parks to help make them more accessible.

Quotes:

Environment Minister Terry Lake -

"The BC Parks passport program and Text to Donate are good examples of what we're doing to continue to attract young families to B.C.'s provincial parks. We are thankful to have partners like the visitor centres and the Freshwater Fisheries Society working with us to introduce a new generation to the province's spectacular outdoors."

Ron Cantelon, MLA Parksville-Qualicum -

"With the camping season upon us, it's great to have something fun for families to add to the adventure and I plan to make my first text donation today while visiting Rathtrevor beach Provincial Park."

Donna Andres, Parksville Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre board member -

"We're very appreciative of BC Parks' efforts and this opportunity to participate in its passport program. In particular, it helps bring visitors to our visitor centre so that we can tell them about all the wonderful things they can do in our community including camping in provincial parks."

Learn More:

BC Parks passports: www.bcparks.ca

Text to Donate: www.bcparks.ca

Choose your own campsite at www.discovercamping.ca

Book a group campout or picnic: www.bcparks.ca

BC Parks Volunteers: www.bcparksvolunteers.ca

Learn to Fish: www.gofishbc.com

Contact:

Karen Johnston
Communications
Ministry of Environment
250 812-0495