The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation is contributing $400,000 to community child care in Whistler. "We recognized the need for additional child care facilities and programs in Whistler and we are committed to making sure our community receives it," said Dave Brownlie, president of the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation. "This $400,000 investment will be put towards building a child care facility at the Whistler Interfaith Chapel and Meeting Place, a very worthwhile community development for Whistler Resort." The $400,000 comes largely from the success of the foundation’s new Founder’s Pass program. This past fall, Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains donated 50 season’s passes to the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation for fund-raising purposes. To date, 42 of the passes have sold raising $210,000. These funds, plus an additional $190,000 from the foundation will be put towards the construction of the Interfaith Chapel’s child care facility. The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation is dedicated to the financial support of registered non-profit organizations whose activities provide benefit to the residents of the Sea to Sky Corridor. Registered non-profit organizations may provide programs in the areas of health, human services, education, recreation, the arts, culture and the environment. The foundation provides support by way of grants. This year more than 13 organizations have received grants from the foundation. "We are thrilled that the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation has come forward with such a generous contribution," said Stephen Milstein, fund raising chairperson for the Whistler Interfaith Chapel. "The child care facility within the chapel will benefit locals and visitors to this resort giving many children a wonderful meeting place to learn." Meanwhile, Whistler/Blackcomb has announced a new day care program for children aged three to 35 months. The fully-licensed Whistler Kids day care centre is located at the Whistler Golf Club pro shop, and will open Nov. 25. The facility will be staffed by qualified early childhood educators and is equipped to handle up to 36 children. A shuttle from Whistler Kids at Blackcomb to the day care will be provided for parents and children in the mornings and afternoons. Whistler Kids Daycare will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily beginning Nov. 25. Pre-registration is required and drop in space is subject to availability. Cost is $73 per day. Information is available through Guest Relations, at 932-3434.
