Whistler/Blackcomb Foundation announces funding recipients Six corridor charities have been chosen by the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation to receive $70,000, including Myrtle Philip school which will receive funds to help pay for a playground structure. Other charitable organizations which will receive funding from the foundation include the Crisis Centre, which presents stress management and suicide prevention/awareness programs to students at the corridor’s four secondary schools; North Shore Search and Rescue, which will put the funds towards a new regional command vehicle; the Whistler-Blackcomb 24-Hour Relay Team, which raises funds for BC Easter Seals and Camp Squamish; Whistler and Squamish Food Banks. The Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation distributes funds to charitable organizations in the Sea to Sky Corridor each spring and fall. The foundation raises funds through two major events — the BC Tel Mobility Classic ski event in February and the Husky Oil Mixed Golf Classic at Big Sky in September — and the sale of Whistler-Blackcomb Founders Passes. The Foundation has also announced that John Ryan’s Regeneration Tour for spinal cord research will be the beneficiary of the Sept. 10 Husky Oil Mixed Golf Classic, which is expected to add more than $30,000 to the Regeneration Tour. "It’s the first time we’ve pre-designated a beneficiary," said Brita McLaughlin, executive director of the foundation. This year’s Husky Oil Golf Classic takes place the day before Ryan completes his cross-Canada hand-cycling tour by arriving in Whistler. Team registration and hole sponsorships are now being accepted for the tournament, which is expected to sell out well before the event. Meanwhile, the foundation has already sold 35 of the 50 Founders Passes donated by Whistler-Blackcomb for the coming season. The passes, which sell for $5,000 each ($2,530 is tax deductible), were introduced last year, and 46 of the 50 passes were sold. Last year the Founders Passes allowed the pass holder and three guests lift priority at any of Whistler or Blackcomb’s access lifts. This year the lift priority extends includes any access lift as well as mid-station lifts that take the pass holder and guests to an on-mountain restaurant. As well, Founders Pass holders are entitled to 10 complimentary Fresh Tracks tickets this winter. The Founders Passes are transferable, provide lift access at any of Intrawest’s other ski resorts and are valid year round at Whistler-Blackcomb. The Founders Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis until Sept. 30. During its seven years as an organization the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation has raised nearly $1 million for worthy community and regional charities. Those wishing fond out more about The Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation or to inquire about the Founders Pass, call (604) 938-9319
