Tour company gives to C.O. charities

Through its non-profit foundation, Sun Country Tours gave more than $20,000 in cash and in-kind donations to more than 200 organizations in 2013.

The whitewater rafting company, which is preparing for its 36th season, is owned by Dennis Oliphant, who created the foundation more than 20 years ago.

“It is extremely gratifying to be able to support the wonderful work our local charities do,” said Oliphant, who serves as the board chairman of the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF). “Through our giving, we’re able to help many respected organizations raise money for important causes, as well as expose many people to the amazing natural world we are honored to protect and provide guided access to.”

The Sun Country Tours Foundation is directed to support youth, educational and
environmental causes that support the Central Oregon community, and donates
thousands of river adventures, including river rafting, tubing and stand up paddle
boarding for fundraising.

The foundation also donates rafting trips specifically created to provide under-served kids with unique access to outdoor recreation, including donor trips for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Oregon, MBSEF and and the Deschutes Children’s Forest.