Whistler Community Services Society has received a cheque for
$14,000 from the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation to fulfill their wish of
building an outdoor extension to the existing Re-Use-It Centre building.
“This extension is welcomed and long overdue as we hope to
accommodate the larger items that we just can’t fit into the store,” said Lorna
Van Straaten the Re-Use-It Manger.
The Re-Use-It Centre is working hard to encourage donors to
only drop items off during regular store hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Often what
happens is people drop off items that cannot be accommodated due to lack of
space. With this addition the Re-Use-It Centre hopes to be able to accommodate
these larger items and therefore prevent them from entering the landfill; a
goal of Whistler Community Services and the Whistler 2020 sustainability team.
WCSS is grateful for the efforts of James Hallisey and Kim
Creed of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, along with Whistler Rotary
Millennium Club who will be providing volunteer labor to complete the project.
“This project would not be possible without the generosity of
the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation. We are grateful for their contribution
towards our cause,” said Greg McDonnell, Interim Executive Director.
The Re-Use-It Centre profits go towards funding many of
Whistler Community Services Society Programs. Some of which include, the
counselling assistance program, emergency assistance program, food bank, youth
outreach workers and community kitchens, just to name a few. Any items that
can’t be used are donated to other charities in the Sea to Sky corridor and the
Lower Mainland.
It is clear that the quality of life in our community continues
to be a high priority for the Foundation. “The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation is
so pleased that with this one grant, we are able to effect change on so many
levels. The new expansion will help the Re-Use it Centre continue to support
many other worthwhile community programs, while helping to encourage
sustainability,”,said Mei McCurdy, Executive Director of the Whistler Blackcomb
Foundation.
Construction on the extension should be complete by July 1 st .