Whistler RCMP and the BC Ambulance Service were in the spirit of giving last month, raising more than $800 and 350 kilograms of food for the Whistler Food Bank.
On Nov. 30, the public stopped by Nesters Market to fill a police cruiser and ambulance with food. In all, the RCMP collected 788 pounds (357 kg) of food and $844 for the food bank operated by the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS).
"We are very grateful for the support of the RCMP, specifically Const. Erik Jakobsen for the work he did organizing this event," said WCSS executive director Jackie Dickinson.
Snowballs thrown at passing cars prompts police warning
After receiving several reports of snowballs and ice being thrown at passing cars in recent days, Whistler and Pemberton RCMP are putting a message out to their respective communities.
"While people might think this is just a harmless prank, I have seen incidences where, as a result of a thrown object, drivers have lost control of their vehicles and caused damage to themselves and others," said Staff Sgt. Paul Hayes in a release. "Just don't do it. It's not worth the personal and financial loss that can result."
Police are also reminding people that anyone who throws an object that results in a motor-vehicle accident can be held criminally and civilly responsible for the resulting damage or injury.
In March, a Whistler woman narrowly escaped catastrophic injury after a man reportedly dropped a large chunk of ice off the bridge overlooking Village Gate Boulevard, piercing her windshield and striking her in the chest. The woman and a passenger were treated for minor injuries after being sprayed with broken glass and debris.
"Honestly, if I was any shorter, or if the roof was any farther back, it probably would have caught me right in the face," said driver Jessica Purmal following the incident. "I honestly count myself so lucky right now."
Anyone who witnesses this type of incident, or any other crimes, is asked to contact Whistler RCMP at 604-932-3044 or Sea to Sky Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.
Police warn of icy road conditions after multiple callouts
Whistler and Pemberton RCMP are warning the public of the winter road conditions after officers responded to a rash of motor-vehicle incidents in the past week.
Between Dec. 4 and 11, police said they were called out to more than half a dozen incidents due to speeding, winter conditions, or "lack of attention or ability on the part of the driver," according to a release. That's on top of 16 reports over the same span of motorists driving dangerously in the poor weather.
"Luckily, in the above noted incidents, no serious injuries have been reported; however, police are reminding the public—once again—that you need to drive to the conditions on the road," wrote Staff Sgt. Paul Hayes in the release. "You need to ensure that your vehicle is properly equipped for the weather conditions. You need to ensure that you have the driving experience to navigate the main roadways, or the Forest Service Roads, hills and valleys in which we live to ensure that you get to your destination safely."
Police also urged drivers to give themselves extra time to get to their destination so that they "are not tempted to drive beyond the traffic conditions, speed, tailgate, cut people off or pass in illegal areas because you're late."
