2023 Spring Funding
The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Awards
over $430,000 to Sea to Sky Initiatives
June 2023:
The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation is excited to announce that just over $430,000 in charitable grants has recently been awarded to Sea to Sky non-profit organizations.
“The Foundation is committed to helping organizations that benefit residents of the Sea to Sky Corridor. It is truly rewarding to get back to our normal funding cycles and disburse these funds to some amazing local non-profits,” said Mei Madden, Executive Director of the WBF.
This spring, the WBF proudly provided the Xet'olacw Community School with a $75,000 grant toward a much-needed XCS playground upgrade. The playground upgrade will not only provide a safe and vibrant space for the school’s K-7 students but will also provide safe places for all of the Nations families and their visitors. This will be a recreational space that the community can be proud of.
Whistler Professional Firefighters Association received just over $53,700 to help procure an AutoPulse CPR Device. The AutoPulse is an automated CPR device that delivers customized, high-quality CPR when needed, and will help the Whistler Fire Department First Responders fill the gap in pre-hospital care.
Close to $49,000 was granted to Pemberton Fire Rescue to assist with the enhancement of its offroad wildfire response capabilities by providing funds to support the retrofit and revitalization of their Engine 11 to aid in fighting wildfires. The town of Pemberton sits in a wildland urban interface risk class 1, the highest risk class in the province, and this grant will help fund the Engine 11 retrofit project to completion.
$45,000 was granted to the Whistler Mountain Ski Club (WMSC) to wrap up the WMSC Timing Hut project – a vital piece of infrastructure for the sport of Alpine Skiing. The WMSC is an important part of our community, providing opportunities for youth to become involved in the sport, as well as the positive economic impact that accompanies hosting large ski racing events.
The Howe Sound Women’s Centre (HSWC) received a grant of $30,000 to support the new Counselling Assistance and Practicum Student Programs that will help service a great need in the Sea to Sky. The Counselling Assistance Program will provide counselling subsidies to survivors of violence needing clinical support, while the Practicum Student Program will allow HSWC to see more children, youth and families through their PEACE program, decreasing waitlists and providing additional much-needed support in our community.
Whistler Community Services Society received a matching grant of $25,000 to support their food bank campaign. Whistler’s food bank is for anyone and everyone trying to make ends meet. The food bank offers supplemental groceries to ensure individuals have access to quality food for themselves or their families.
$23,000 in grant funds was provided to the Whistler Search and Rescue Society (WSAR) for the acquisition of 5 Night Vision Helmets that are specially designed to support night vision helicopter operations. These specialized helmets that work with night vision goggles, will enable WSAR to perform night operations with improved safety for all.
Almost $19,000 was granted to Valleycliffe Elementary School (SD#48) & Valleycliffe Elementary School PAC to support the third phase of the school playground makeover project. Funds will go toward new playgroup equipment for students, and others to enjoy.
Howe Sound Secondary School (SD48) & the Howe Sound Secondary PAC received $17,000 toward their Courtyard Connections Project. Funds will go toward furnishing the revitalized courtyard with furniture that will serve the school community and community at large for years to come, while creating an inviting place to connect.
Also included among the successful recipients within this spring funding period were the Whistler Sailing Association, Xa'xtsa Community Society, Whistler Gymnastics Club, Hilltop House Support Society, Squamish Windsports Society, The Whistler Writing Society, Outward Bound Canada, Whistler Field Hockey Club, Resort Municipality of Whistler - Protective Services, The Whistler Institute of Learning Society, and Whistler Sport Legacies.
The Foundation also matched all Whistler Blackcomb employee donations to the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Environmental Fund which supports environmental projects in the Sea to Sky Corridor.
Help us continue to support our local communities by participating in the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation’s summer fundraiser, the TELUS Golf Classic to be held on Friday, September 8. More details are available at www.whistlerblackcombfoundation.com.
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