Syilx Territory, Kelowna, B.C. – Rotarians across the Thompson/Okanagan region are stepping up in a major way to help safeguard the future of the B.C. Interior’s lakes and rivers. In partnership with the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) and University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO), Rotary is launching a community‑wide fundraising campaign to raise $100,000 in donations to accelerate groundbreaking eDNA mussel‑detection technology research. The campaign follows the leadership of a long‑time Rotarian and community supporter Colin Pritchard whose family foundation, The Colin & Lois Pritchard Foundation, has already contributed $100,000 toward the project. Rotarians are now rallying together to match that gift and increase the funding needed to drive this critical research forward.

“Rotarians have always stepped up when something truly matters — and nothing matters more than protecting the water that sustains our communities. This challenge gift isn’t just a donation; it’s an invitation. I’m asking my fellow Rotarians, along with local businesses and everyone who loves this valley, to help finish what we’ve started. Together, we can give British Columbia and beyond the tools needed to defend our lakes and rivers for generations to come,” said Colin Pritchard.

Invasive zebra, quagga and golden mussels have devastated waterways throughout North America. Once they establish in a lake, they cannot be removed. That’s why Rotarians are helping accelerate a first‑of‑its‑kind eDNA detection project, led by UBCO geneticist Dr. Michael Russello.

The project will aim to provide watercraft inspectors with a portable “suitcase lab” capable of detecting microscopic mussel DNA by quickly vacuum‑sampling and analyzing boats.

“This project will be the first in Canada to build and test eDNA-based tools for invasive mussel detection on incoming watercraft, with the goal of creating a fast, cost-effective and scalable solution,” explained Dr. Michael Russello. “It represents a critical step forward in freshwater biosecurity and advances the innovations needed to keep B.C.'s lakes and rivers healthy, resilient, and mussel-free.”

If invasive mussels enter the B.C. Interior, the region could face:

• Hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to water systems, marinas, infrastructure, irrigation works, and beaches.
• Massive ecological harm, including plankton loss, fish die‑off, poisoned birds, and toxic algae blooms.
• Serious economic fallout, including reduced tourism, lower property values, and major impacts to recreation and local businesses.

Rotary’s regional network is now mobilizing businesses, philanthropists, and residents to join in contributing to this critical research. The first phase of the project is estimated to be $475,000, and with contributions already secured from OBWB, Mitacs, and The Colin & Lois Pritchard Foundation, Rotarians are committed to fundraising another $100,000.  All donations will be used at UBC to accelerate the application of the technology, support its adoption by inspectors, and expand use of the approach beyond watercraft for monitoring entire lakes for the presence of invasive mussels.  

How to Donate

Rotary invites individuals and organizations across the valley to take part:

• Donate via cheque;
• Payable to University of British Columbia Okanagan
• c/o Okanagan Basin Water Board 1450 K.L.O. Road, Kelowna, BC, V1W 3Z4
• Or click here to donate online.
• Donations over $25 will receive a tax receipt as a charitable donation, and all funding goes directly to the research for the eDNA project.