Zero Ceiling is inviting the community to gather 'round the fire for its annual general meeting (AGM) on May 5.
Anyone RSVP-ing "yes" to that invitation can expect to hear "the story of Zero Ceiling, the seed that was planted back in 1997 and the seeds we’ll be busy planting this year," at the event, according to the non-profit's website. The Fireside AGM, presented by Moguls Coffee, will take place at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday.
The organization began 26 years ago with a vision of bringing young people from Vancouver up to Whistler to enjoy a day in the great outdoors; skiing or snowboarding in the winters and hiking or biking in summer.
Since, it has flourished into a far bigger operation with much more ambitious objectives. In addition to Zero Ceiling's renowned Work 2 Live program, which provides supportive housing and employment in Whistler to young adults at risk of homelessness, the organization has broadened its mandate to include decolonization work and advocating for policy changes. It's all in an effort to meet Zero Ceiling's ultimate goal of ending youth homelessness.
To raise funds for those initiatives, Zero Ceiling is raffling off a one-of-a-kind work of art this week. Local artist Dave Petko painted the masterpiece, titled "Community," last fall during Zero Ceiling's 25th birthday party.
Depicting bright blue skies, fluffy clouds, mountain peaks and evergreens surrounding a heart-shaped lake, the piece "was inspired entirely by our organization and our story," Zero Ceiling explains on its website. Petko "incorporated our connection with the land and linked it to the theme of planting seeds and watching them grow into a forest of love, hope and balance. He produced nothing short of a masterpiece and we love how much it reflects Zero Ceiling. But, we would love someone in the community to have it."
A few consolation raffle prizes from Whistler Blackcomb are also up for grabs Friday, including a pair of single-day Peak 2 Peak summer sightseeing tickets, a five-day Whistler Mountain Bike Park pass and $200 worth of Whistler Blackcomb dining vouchers.
Raffle tickets are now on sale for $50 each on Zero Ceiling's website. Ticket sales are capped at 200.
The winning ticket will be drawn at the end of Friday's Fireside AGM, when Petko's painting will go to one lucky new owner, but raffle ticket holders aren't obligated to attend the meeting. The deadline to purchase a raffle ticket is Friday, May 5 at 5 p.m.
