The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation (WBF) awarded more than $250,000 in charitable grants to Sea to Sky non-profit organizations

WHISTLER, BC, 2014-12-22 — /Travel PR News/ —  The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation (WBF) has awarded more than $250,000 in charitable grants to Sea to Sky non-profit organizations, more than double what was granted this time last Fall. This was due in part to our SKYHIGH fundraising event this past June and our record breaking summer golf event.

The Foundation is committed to enhancing and helping organizations in the Sea to Sky Corridor with an emphasis on those that benefit children, youth and families. “The quality of life in our communities continues to be a high priority for the Foundation and as always it was extremely difficult to choose between all of the great organizations that applied”, said Mei McCurdy, Executive Director of the WBF.

The largest of these grants was a donation of $35,000 to Whistler Search & Rescue. Radio repeaters, antennas and ancillary equipment will be purchased to improve their backcountry communications as reliable and clear communications are the backbone of a successful and safe rescue mission.

$32,000 was donated towards the recently upgraded Rainbow Theatre for new draperies including blackout curtains for the projection room, and a sound system connector to give groups the ability to connect with the high end WFF projector purchased by the Foundation in 2014.

$28,269 was granted to the Whistler Arts Council towards the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Presentation Technology Fund. This will buy them a new Panasonic DLP Projector and Projector Mount. The Presentation Technology Fund, founded in 2006 and funded by the WBF, gives non-profit organizations in the Sea to Sky Corridor access to this equipment for a only a small maintenance fee, when using the space at Millennium Place.

Pemberton District Search & Rescue received $25,000 towards their Helicopter External Transport System to purchase new equipment. This system is used in situations where a subject is not easily accessible and can’t easily be transported to a vehicle or landing area.

The Whistler Public Library will be getting a second installment towards their Sun Deck Project. This deck will be a great complement to Florence Petersen Park. It will create an additional point of access to the library as well as provide a space opportune for additional library, non-profit and municipal programming. This will be a wonderful addition for the community!

The Whistler Sailing Association was awarded funds to purchase new boats for their fleet and motors for their coaches boats. The WSA is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote sailing by offering affordable “Learn to Sail” courses and clinics for all ages and abilities. Furthermore they strive to promote community spirit by organizing community sailing and water sports events.

Whistler Secondary School received $13,000 which will cover a number of much needed items for the students including uniforms, equipment for the Outdoor Leadership Program and Robotics Kits. WSS is one of the only schools in the Sea to Sky Corridor to offer computer programming and robotics.

$11,000 was given to the Whistler Waldorf School towards their Outdoor Education Program, which is an inclusive program for all WWS students from grades 8-11, at all levels and abilities.

A matching grant for a new Marimba and Drumming Program was awarded to Myrtle Philip Community School. This is a new program that will help build musical culture and community at the school. The equipment will be used for after school programs for students, a lunchtime program for parents, and will also be used in the classrooms.

$10,000 has been donated towards the Walter Zebrowski Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually to a Whistler High School graduate who exemplifies exceptional leadership and service to the Whistler Community. These funds will help ensure the future of this legacy scholarship. To date, there have been 18 scholarship recipients.

Also included among the successful recipients for this Fall Funding Period were the Pemberton Food Bank, BC Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters Sea to Sky Corridor, WCSS Food Bank, Pemberton Valley Trails Association, Squamish Climate Action Network, Whistler Valley Quilters Guild, Stewardship Pemberton, and the Squamish Skating Club.

The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation is also proud to remain the title sponsor of KidSport Whistler. Kidsport provides funding for financially restricted children so they are able to participate in sport. WBF has been the title sponsor since 1997.

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 winter fundraiser, the TELUS Winter Classic to be held on January 23rd & 24th, 2015. More details are available at www.whistlerblackcombfoundation.com Since 1993, the Foundation has given out more than 8.5 million dollars in grants. Application submission deadlines are October 1st and April 1st of each year.

For more information, please contact: Mei McCurdy, Executive Director Whistler Blackcomb Foundation

Phone: 604-938-7321
Fax: 604-938-7337
E:-Mail: mmccurdy@whistlerblackcomb.com
Website: whistlerblackcombfoundation.com

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