The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation (WBF) announced $320,000 in funding for non-profits in the Sea to Sky last week, with close to two dozen local groups set to benefit.
The funding is part of WBF’s spring funding period, and sizable donations are headed towards 23 recipients that support the health and well-being of residents from Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton.
The largest sum is going to the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS), with $60,000 earmarked for mental health and food security through WCSS’ outreach program and the Whistler Food Bank. The funds should be welcome news, with donations down at WCSS and access to services soaring.
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) and Ecole Squamish Elementary PAC were each awarded $30,000. The SLCC will use the money for its employee wellness program, counselling, the elders outreach program, language workshops and a breakfast program. The elementary school is using the money to improve an inclusive play space that makes its playground accessible for all children.
The WBF also granted PearlSpace Support Services Society $20,000 for support groups aimed at single mothers in the corridor, and another $18,000 went to Pemberton Off Road Cycling Association (PORCA) to improve its bike skills park.
For a full list of award recipients, visit WBF’s website.
Mei Madden, executive director of the WBF, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of individuals and companies that team up with WBF.
"We have so many people to thank for the continued success of our fundraising efforts. The number of individuals and companies that support our cause year after year warms my heart,” Madden said in a press release.
“The Foundation is committed to helping organizations that benefit residents of the Sea to Sky corridor. It is truly rewarding to disburse charitable grants to these amazing local non-profits.”
Another $63,000 allocated to community groups is coming from WBF’s Environmental Fund, which supports environmental projects in the Sea to Sky. Money is going towards a school garden, tool library, a website redesign, trail maintenance, and more.
Since 1992, the WBF has raised more than $20 million for local non-profits, and each year gives more than $2 million, in large part because of two annual events, the TELUS Winter Classic and the TELUS Golf Classic. The Winter Classic is a weekend event in March each year that includes skiing, wine tastings and a gala.
The Golf Classic is slated for Sept. 6.
Another source of funding comes from the Founders Pass program, which sees 100 VIP ski passes sold, each costing $10,000.
