Sharman Learie has spent his life outside.
As Co-Chair of the Adventure Studies Department at Thompson Rivers University, he’s trained the next generation of guides for over 20 years, helping them explore BC’s wild places. His own journey started on the rivers—first as a rafting guide, then as a business owner, and finally as an educator.
“I’ve been romanced by adventure and wild spaces my whole life,” he says. “My strongest memories and relationships take place in nature.”
For Sharman, Kamloops' grasslands hold a special kind of magic. He’s captivated by the way the wind moves through the tall grasses, making the landscape feel alive. As Kamloops continues to grow, Sharman sees an opportunity to protect the wild spaces that make it such a special place to live.
“If we take them for granted, they could be gone one day,” he says. “That ability to step outside your door and escape into nature—that’s worth protecting.”
When he heard about BC Parks Foundation’s campaign to , he stepped up, knowing his contribution would have a real impact in his own backyard.
“I have the ability to give, and I love that it leads to tangible results in my community,” he says. “When you care about something and can actually help make a difference, that feels great.”
By supporting BC Parks Foundation, Sharman is helping ensure that BC’s most incredible places remain wild. “Not just for me, and not just for today,” he says, “but for all the future adventurers and nature lovers to come.”