Whistler Adaptive Sports Program

For Immediate Release

Scotiabank Supports the Jeff Harbers Adaptive Sports Centre

Latest capital donation helps to build a community legacy for individuals with a disability

Whistler, November 24, 2009 – Scotiabank recently announced a $7,500 donation to the new Jeff Harbers Adaptive Sports Centre, bringing the banks’ funding contributions to the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program (WASP) to just under $250,000 in five years. 

“Scotiabank has directly impacted the level of growth and success the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program has experienced in the last five years,” said Chelsey Walker, WASP Executive Director.  “The latest capital contribution of $7,500 will help this project move forward towards the construction phase.  Combined with Scotiabank’s initial funding of this project, they have now committed $32,500 to creating an asset that will ensure the further expansion of Whistler Adaptive Sports Program.”

“Being involved with the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program has really opening my eyes to the potential of individuals with disabilities”, commented Valarie Plourde, Scotiabank Branch Manager in Pemberton. “ I’m just thrilled Scotiabank is involved with this phenomenal program which benefits so many people locally and in British Columbia”.

The donation of $7,500 adds to the community legacy being created for individuals with a disability in Whistler, which is being named for the co-founder and first President of the American Friends of Whistler. Scotiabank joins the American Friends of Whistler, First Canadian Development Corp., and the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation in supporting the project.

“Sporting and recreational activities are such a huge part of our lifestyle in British Columbia,” said Rob Wilkins, Scotiabank Vice President, Downtown BC & Northern B.C District adding, “We’re thrilled to partner with WASP to be able to bring more opportunities to individuals with disabilities in our community.”

“Thanks to Scotiabank, we have built a strong foundation on which our organization can grow,” continued Chelsey Walker, Executive Director of WASP.  “Our relationship with Scotiabank and the thanks that we extend to them go beyond purely funding, the dedication of their staff to supporting adaptive sports programming in Whistler demonstrates their amazing commitment to the community of Whistler.”  

About the new “Welcome and Equipment Centre” at Whistler-Blackcomb

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. 

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad.  Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2008 the Bank provided about $43 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

About Whistler Adaptive Sports Program

Whistler Adaptive Sports Program is a not-for-profit society that provides year-around, sports and recreational programs for people of all ages with disabilities. We are a centre for learning, therapeutic programs and sports excellence that has a local, regional, national and international clientele and we encourage independence, self-confidence and self-motivation for all of our athletes and participants through outdoor recreation.