Whistler Adaptive Sports Program

For Immediate Release

Delta Whistler Village Suites and Tantalus Lodge “Raise the Roof” for charity

2^nd Annual Fundraiser to benefit Habitat for Humanity and the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program

Whistler BC, May 4, 2010 – The Delta Whistler Village Suites and the Tantalus Lodge will host the second annual “Raise the Roof” fundraiser at Buffalo Bills on June 4^th, 2010.  All of the proceeds raised during this fun, high energy event will benefit the Habitat for Humanity and the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program.

“The Delta Whistler Village Suites and Tantalus Lodge have really gone above and beyond in organizing another amazing fundraiser for the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program,” said Chelsey Walker, Whistler Adaptive Sports Program’s Executive Director.  “Between the high energy musical line up of Bluesberry Jam and the funds that will be raised through the amazing auction items, their staff and supporters are making a positive difference in the lives of individuals with a disability, both living in and visiting the community of Whistler.”

“It is so important for the hotel to give back to the community in where we work and play.  Whistler Adaptive Sports Program has been an integral part of the fabric that makes up Whistler and we feel privileged and honored to support and partner with them” said Peter Catarino, General Manager of the Delta Whistler Village Suites.

With the support of key players including Buffalo Bills and Mountain FM, The Delta Whistler Village Suites and Tantalus Lodge have actively been raising funds for Habitat for Humanity and the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program over the last year.  To date, they have raised $11,171.00. This year’s event will run from 4:30pm to 7:30pm and feature the Squamish based Bluesberry Jam with its mix of blues, classic R&B and rock favourites.  The silent auction features something for everyone including donations from Arc’teryx, Helly Hansen; numerous hotel stays at Delta’s across the country, Four Seasons, Fairmont, and Westin; prints from Cori Ross, Blake Jorgenson and Karen Love, gift certificates to restaurants such as Hy’s, Crepe Montagne, Elephant & Castle and Ingrid’s; golf packages from the Chateau Whistler, Nicklaus North and Whistler Golf Course; fun Whistler based activities from Whistler Outdoor Adventures, Summit Sport and Whistler Blackcomb; and many other items such as a king sized bed from Simmons Canada, Scandinave Spa and Nesters dollars to name a few. 

“The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program is an essential part of the Whistler community and we are all proud to be associated with such a great organization” said Mike Kohari, General Manager of the Tantalus Lodge in Whistler.

“The community contribution and support by the Delta Whistler Village Suites and the Tantalus Lodge goes well beyond the Raise the Roof Fundraiser,” continued Chelsey Walker, Executive Director of the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program.  “Both hotels and staff are tremendously generous with their volunteer time and in-kind donations to the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program.  All of the funds raised on June 4^th, 2010 will be directed into our building fund to construct the Jeff Harbers Adaptive Sports Centre on Whistler Mountain.  Named for Jeff Harbers, a great supporter of the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation and the first President of the American Friends of Whistler, the new Centre will create a major legacy for adaptive sport in Whistler.”

About the new Jeff Harbers Adaptive Sport Centre at Whistler-Blackcomb

The proposed Jeff Harbers Adaptive Sports 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 Snowboard 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 Delta Hotels and Resorts

A leading Canadian hotel management company, Delta Hotels and Resorts operates and franchises a diversified portfolio with 44 full-service, city centre and airport hotels and resorts under the Delta brand. Widely regarded as Canada’s “brand of choice” by guests and owners, Delta Hotels also distinguishes itself as an exemplary employer. It is the only hotel company to have been recognized for its sustained focus on business excellence by the prestigious National Quality Institute with three Canada Awards for Excellence, including the award program’s highest honour, the Order of Excellence (2007). The company also consistently ranks as one of the country’s best employers in The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business annual “50 Best Employers” list (2001–2003, 2005–2009). As well, its Corporate Social Responsibility platform, Delta Helps, includes a chain-wide commitment to the communities we serve through our national partnership with Habitat for Humanity Canada, participation in the Hotel Association of Canada’s Green Key Eco-Rating program, and our work with various other charitable groups. For more information, visit www.deltahotels.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.

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For further information please contact:

Chelsey Walker, Executive Director, WASP, 604-905-4493, cwalker@whistleradaptive.com

Jackie Fulton, Director of Sales and Marketing, Delta Whistler Village Suites, jfulton@deltahotels.com