O’Keefe Ranch marks Next Great Save Victory with a Celebration

Celebration was in the air at the O’Keefe Ranch on August 12 as volunteers, supporters, and guests gathered to mark the Ranch’s victory in this year’s Next Great Save Competition.

Patricia Kell, CEO of the National Trust for Canada which hosted the competition, and Colin Robertson of Ecclesiastical Insurance which sponsors it were on hand to congratulate the local team on their exceptional campaign.

Photo courtesy of Roger Knox, Morning Star

Against the backdrop of the Mansion and rose garden, guests enjoyed a warm welcome from the O’Keefe Ranch and Interior Heritage Society team, who expressed deep gratitude for the community’s rallying spirit during the campaign. From Vernon locals to supporters across Canada, thousands cast votes and shared messages of support for the Ranch.

Bruce Cummings, president of the O’Keefe Ranch and Interior Heritage Society during the victory run, stated the benefits of winning clearly, “The mansion is going to get much needed repairs.” The $50,000 prize will fund repairs for the centerpiece home at the site, including systems to help protect its structure.

Patricia Kell made her first-ever visit to the ranch to personally congratulate the team. “It’s one thing to hear about a site,” she said, “but another to experience the place and meet the people who care for it.” She noted that the Next Great Save helps site undertake needed conservation work but also raises public awareness about historic places and the challenges they face.  More than 120,000 votes were cast in this year’s competition.

Colin Robertson, Chief Risk Management and Customer Officer for Ecclesiastical Insurance, noted, “I’m delighted to work with the Trust and to meet communities like yours that value heritage.”

The formal event in the rose garden was followed by tours of the historic buildings featuring costumed animators and a tractor-pulled wagon ride around the extensive grounds.