By Andrew Mitchell
Whistler’s Marc Zurbuchen has helped coordinate Whistler’s nation-leading Commuter Challenge events as well as the federal One Tonne Challenge program, working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This past summer he helped to educate the public as the municipal Bear Aware coordinator.
This winter he will be taking on another position, program manager for Zero Ceiling. Zero Ceiling offers inner city and First Nations youth who are identified as at risk an opportunity to spend a day in the mountains learning to snowboard.
Interested youth who meet certain qualifications then have the opportunity of taking a snowboard instructor program that includes equipment, a place to stay and meals while taking the approved Level 1 course. The Zero Ceiling candidates who pass the course and meet other criteria for conduct are then offered jobs and accommodation on the mountain.
The program started in Whistler, with support from Whistler-Blackcomb, but recently expanded into Quebec with the participation of Mont Tremblant.
As the program manager, Zurbuchen will coordinate the day visit program, snowboard instructor program, volunteers, special events and fundraising activities.
One of his first tasks will be to organize the Zero Ceiling Rummage Sale on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Telus Whistler Conference Centre.
Members of the community are invited to donate items to sell, and the event will be open to all members of the public.
In addition to used items, the sale will include some new items donated by Helly Hansen and a draw to win three tickets to see the Vancouver Canucks.
The Rummage Sale takes place on the final day of Whistler’s Welcome Week, and organizers are inviting all newcomers to the community to drop by the sale to buy clothes, gear, home furnishings and other items, with all proceeds going to Zero Ceiling.
