Donations come to Zero By Oona Woods Chris Winter’s mission/program Zero Ceiling, which gives street youth from Vancouver a chance to live the mountain life, has received a welcome boost from the community. Both Garfinkel’s nightclub and the Whistler Kids Program raised a total of $1,310 and presented it to the Zero Ceiling program, which has been improving Whistler’s karma for the last two seasons. Garfinkel’s will also be presenting another fund-raising evening on Local’s Night Thursday, April 8 to continue support for the venture. "I’m just so thankful," says Winter. "In a way I didn’t have to go after them, they both came to me. It’s awesome." Another strand of Zero Ceiling’s success has seen four street youth qualify this week to teach as snowboard instructors. "They are moving here today and starting a whole new life," Winter said last Sunday. The simplicity of his words covers the fact that his venture has radically altered the path of four lives. Not only have these youths learned a marketable skill they will also be earning money and supporting themselves. "They are very excited. They will all be working as snowboard instructors and moving into staff housing. The Zero Ceiling training program has been amazing. Not only did all four of them apply to (snowboard school manager) Bruce Irving, all four of them passed and all four of them were accepted. Another four street youths started the training program on Monday." Winter, the participant’s champion, will also make sure they are employed through the summer. "I’m going to help them out," he says. "There are good connections in this town. I’ve already had people offer jobs and I will also have them work for me to help out with the whole Zero Ceiling Program." Right now you can also help, not only by supporting the April 8 event at Garfinkel’s but by donating gear. Winter’s wish list includes x-large and large snowboard pants and jackets, goggles and sunglasses, gloves, long underwear (both tops and bottoms), hiking boots and skateboard shoes. Donations can be brought directly to 222, Castle Drive, Unit 210, Nordic.
