Patients and caregivers don’t have to look far at the Whistler Health Care Centre (WHCC) to see the impact of the Whistler Health Care Foundation.
Whether visiting the trauma centre, checking a vital signs monitor or arriving at the new paediatric care room, items purchased with funds raised through the WHCF are all around. Each year, the foundation raises money for medical equipment or extras not covered by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH). The equipment enhances the care physicians and nurses provide to patients.
Jennifer Black, vice-chair of WHCF’s board of directors, said while VCH can approve equipment the hospital needs, it doesn’t always have the funds to cover the newest gear or comforts that make a stressful hospital stay easier.
“VCH is responsible for making sure there’s equity in health-care facilities, so the foundation helps keep equipment up to date, investing in state-of-the-art medical technology and the extras,” Black said.
She pointed to one example of a future need at WHCC—an upgraded CT scanner—as equipment the foundation is helping to fund.
“Down the road, the CT scanner needs to be updated. The WHCC applies to VCH, VCH can approve but can’t necessarily purchase. [The care centre] would apply to us for the funding,” she explained.
Most recently, the WHCF has focused on easing strain on children and caregivers by outfitting the paediatric room with user-friendly items to help during a health-care crisis.
“The foundation comes in and we’re funding special toys, teenage games ... we take something that works really well and add the items that help it become a more comfortable experience for kids,” Black said.
Items that help soothe children and youth during a crisis include noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys and a Nintendo Switch.
In 2025 alone, the WHCF awarded $93,846 to Sea to Sky organizations for a broad range of health-related services, from first-aid and emergency response equipment to mental health therapy.
Hike for Health helps long-term funding
To keep up with rising health-care costs, the foundation hosts two annual fundraisers: the Get Moving Challenge and Hike for Health.
While Get Moving has come and gone, the fourth annual Hike for Health is on the horizon.
Hike for Health takes place on Blackcomb Mountain on Sunday, June 15—Father’s Day. Hikers head up the Ascent Trail and can choose from three distances, weather permitting. Alternatively, attendees can ride the gondola to the summit and enjoy sweeping views of Whistler Village.
Event partner Whistler Blackcomb is supporting organizers with $30,000 in-kind, and the Touchet family is generously sponsoring the event.
This year’s fundraising goal is $100,000. Black said they are very close to reaching—or even surpassing—the mark, and registration for the event is now the focus.
Registration costs $40 for adults; youth and child tickets are $25; and children under six hike for free. The price includes a sightseeing ticket on Blackcomb Mountain and a $10 food voucher.
Those who want to make a larger impact on local health-care can become Trailblazers by donating $500, $1,000, $5,000 or $10,000 in exchange for a tax receipt and recognition during the hike.
Last year attendees raised more than $100,000 for mental-health services.
After hiking, the ticket includes an all-day sightseeing pass. Once finished trekking atop Blackcomb, attendees can head to the farmers’ market at the base of the Ascent Trail or enjoy brunch in the Village—a perfect way to celebrate health and fathers in one go.
“It’s a great way to celebrate dads,” Black said.
