Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation commits $150,000 to new Adaptive Sports Centre
Whistler Adaptive Sports Program’s new facility to provide lasting community benefit
Whistler, BC — The Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation announced today a $150,000 commitment to the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program’s (WASP) new “Welcome and Equipment Centre at Whistler-Blackcomb”. This tremendous gift moves WASP significantly closer to achieving their dream of providing a permanent legacy for individuals with a disability in Whistler.
“The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program is amazed at the generosity of the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation,” said Chelsey Walker, WASP Executive Director. “Their commitment to fund the close to 2000 square foot facility that will offer the opportunity for the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program to continue to expand it’s innovative, affordable, sports and recreational programs in a manner that reflects the reputation of Whistler as a premier mountain resort destination.”
The grant of $150,000 was made possible through a legacy fund created for Jeff Harbers, The proposed “Welcome and Equipment Centre at Whistler-Blackcomb” is a two story, stand-alone building at mid-station on Whistler Mountain and will replace the current WASP Equipment Centre provided by the Rotary Club of Whistler in 2000. It is an open, welcoming, accessible facility that would be used by the participants in the Whistler Adaptive Ski and Ride Program, as well as WASP’s Hiking and Para-Alpine Ski Racing programs. The upper floor will be used for program services, while the lower floor would be used for additional storage and maintenance. The plans for the new facility will allow for many more years of significant growth by the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program. The Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation joins First Canadian Development Corp., the American Friends of Whistler and Scotiabank in supporting the project.
“The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation is proud to be able to donate such a significant amount of money to the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program for their new equipment facility. We are thrilled that the funds will also create a lasting legacy for Jeff Harbers and his family”, said Mei McCurdy, Executive Director of the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation. “Jeff was an amazing supporter of The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation and we are honoured to be able to help preserve his memory.”
“As the new “Welcome and Equipment Centre at Whistler-Blackcomb” project gains momentum, WASP continues to fundraise the remaining $113,500 to complete the building,” continued Chelsey Walker, Executive Director of the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program. “We are extremely thankful to the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation for providing over 30% and the largest grant, of the capital and in-kind donations, needed to secure this great facility for the community of Whistler.”