Charities - 100 Women Who Care

Who we support

Recipient CHARITIES

In order to be eligible to present to our membership, nominated organizations must be based in the Sea to Sky community (Whistler, Squamish, Pemberton) and must be a registered not-for-profit or charitable organization eligible to provide tax receipts for donations. It must be previously established (no start-ups). No national or international charities, programs or organizations will be considered at this time as the current focus is on contributing to our local community. Charities that are nominated and selected to present to membership are not eligible to return to the nomination list for 1 year. Charities that are nominated and selected through ballot vote to receive 100 Women Whistler funds are not eligible to return to the nomination list for 3 years.

Sea to Sky Hospice Society

$17,000 Raised - November 26, 2025

Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Program for Patients in the Sea to Sky Corridor Suffering from End Of Life Distress

End Of Life Distress (EOLD) is a pervasive clinical challenge that impacts patient, caregiver and provider alike, and for which there are very few tools available. Refractory existential distress, anxiety and depression are common symptoms for patients diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. Conventional treatments such as medications and traditional psychotherapy have limited efficacy and can be challenging to administer in a time limited context. Psilocybin Assisted Therapy is an emerging evidence-based treatment which may help relieve these difficult to manage symptoms. We are fortunate in the Sea to Sky corridor to have a team of passionate and experienced health care clinicians working in this area who have additional training and experience in the use of Psilocybin Assisted Therapy for treatment of refractory depression. The team includes a psychiatrist (Dr. Wynn), palliative care physicians (Dr. Miller and Dr. Piper), registered clinical counsellors (Dr. Dennstedt and Mr. Payne), and a registered nurse with focus in oncology and ketamine treatment for difficult-to-treat depression (Ms. Voelker). This program operates as an independent under the auspices of the Sea to Sky Hospice Society. The team is aiming to offer this treatment to patients in the Sea to Sky corridor who are eligible through Health Canada’s special access program. Psychedelic literally translates to ‘mind manifesting’ or ‘soul revealing’. Psychedelics are a bridge to deeper understanding, connection and transformation. They are a means of accessing deeper knowledge of understanding, are a tool for self-growth and help people experience a profound sense of wisdom. These psychedelic experiences can encompass gratitude, acceptance and peace which are especially important when experiencing death anxiety and distress. Psilocybin Assisted Therapy offers patients the opportunity to find meaning, comfort, peace, ease distress, resolve trauma, live in the present and find contentment in the time they have left.

The donation received from 100 Women Whistler will support patients to participate in the gold standard protocol for Psilocybin Assisted Therapy for End Of Life Distress, including comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessments, application to Health Canada’s special access program, rigorous preparation and integration therapy, the dosing session, and psycho-education for patient and caregiver. These funds will help bridge the cost to patients not covered through MSP, extended health benefits and private pay. A portion of the money will also go towards creating a group-based program focusing on the psychospiritual aspect of living well with a life limiting illness and approaching death with peace and dignity. It will be group based and online for patients and caregivers, offering discussion, teachings, mindfulness practices and support.

Pemberton Meadows Fire Association

$16,500 Raised - September 24, 2025

Metal Gear Lockers

The Pemberton Meadows Fire Association (PMFA) is an all-volunteer fire association established in 2017 to provide essential fire protection to the rural agricultural community of Upper Pemberton Meadows. Operating as a “satellite hall” for Pemberton Fire Rescue (PFR), the PMFA’s core mandate is to be the first on scene – often 15 to 20 minutes ahead of PFR – to apply water and to source and shuttle water once PFR arrives. This shuttling role is critical because the community lacks fire hydrants, forcing reliance on local sources like ponds, sloughs, and farm pumps, with local firefighters’ intimate knowledge of these sources being crucial.

The awarded funds from 100 Women Whistler will be used to purchase enclosed metal gear lockers to address a critical safety issue caused by a rat population in their current facility; an old, uninsulated potato barn. This prevents the safe storage of essential gear at the hall, forcing volunteer firefighters to keep their contaminated equipment in their homes and vehicles. This practice is dangerous because it exposes their families to cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens) and creates delays in emergency response times as members must retrieve their gear before responding to the hall. Purchasing the requested rodent-proof lockers will directly mitigate these health risks and improve the overall efficiency of their response.

Recreate Our Community Kitchen Society

$15,400 Raised - May 28, 2025

Goal of 1,000 Meals Served

The Recreate Our Community Kitchen Society – Whisler ROCKS – is a new non-profit society with a long term mission to address poverty in Whistler by creating a community kitchen to regularly prepare meals to those who need it; aiming to fill a serious gap in Whistler’s communal infrastructure. Their dream is simple: to create a safe, welcoming space where people from all walks of life can come together, connect, and discover the joys of food and community. They are also on a mission to reduce food waste, one delicious meal at a time. This community kitchen won’t be just about food; it’s about building a stronger, more vibrant community. We believe that sharing a meal can bring people closer, spark conversations, and forge new friendships. Having secured a kitchen location to begin their program (thank you Zero Ceiling!) they will work closely with the WCSS Food Bank program to provide free meal vouchers to those in Whistler who need it most. Whistler ROCKS is now ready to start planning events and meals for the community – their goal with 100 Women Whistler funding; 1,000 Meals Served. If any members are interested in volunteering with Whistler ROCKS, please complete their Online Sign Up form.

Pemberton Animal Wellbeing Society

$15,300 Raised - February 2025

Remain At Home Spay and Neuter Program

Pemberton Animal Wellbeing Society (PAWS) was founded to provide support and relief to cats and dogs of Pemberton and surrounding communities. PAWS is a registered charity that is supported by community donations and fundraising efforts. The team is largely volunteer based, taking on the feeding, care, exercise and training of animals surrendered through no fault of their own. All animals received into care are provided with appropriate veterinary care and spay/neuter surgery.

In 2024 PAWS provided care and adoption services to 26 dogs/puppies and 37 cats/kittens. With additional animals being provided spay and neuter surgeries through the program this donation will support through 2025. Over the past few years the number of surrender requests has skyrocketed, stretching limited resources beyond capacity. The number of unplanned litters within the community has led to an unprecedented number of puppies being surrendered and struggling to find homes.

In response to this dire situation, and with this donation, PAWS is pleased to be able to offer a Remain At Home (RAH) Program. With the largely rural community often struggling to access veterinary care, not as a result of lack of love but a severe lack of resources,they aim to bridge the gap. The RAH Program will provide financial assistance and transportation where necessary to owners accessing spay and neuter services. In partnership with local veterinary clinics, they will stem the flow of unplanned litters within the community.

This donation directly impacts animal welfare in Pemberton and surrounding communities; providing safe, reliable resources for those who need them most. PAWS currently has 8 puppies, 2 adult dogs, 4 kittens and 2 adult cats in care (April 8, 2025). The days are long and the work is hard, but PAWS is so grateful for this support in working towards a brighter future for the animals and their families.

Whistler Mature Action Community

$14,600 Raised - November 27, 2024

'Making Connections', Dementia Friendly Program

The Mature Action Community (MAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of community members aged 55+ in Whistler; running on the combined energy, knowledge, creativity, and volunteerism of residents who call Whistler home, either full- or part-time.

Whistler MAC’s ‘Making Connections’ is a weekly program for people with dementia, and their caregivers, in the Sea to Sky Corridor. The goal is to slow cognitive decline in the afflicted and to allow caregivers to bond, share experiences and develop their own support networks. Each session starts with 45 minutes of gentle fitness, followed by games and brain stimulating activities, music, and socializing over a light lunch. To many, it is the high point of their week as they make new friends and have fun. Regular stream programs are often not appropriate for people with dementia which leads to stress, confusion, and unpleasant experiences. The program also gives caregivers an opportunity to socialize and network with those in similar situations. It will allow them to break through the barrier of isolation, form new friendships and have fun in a welcoming environment. One of the goals of the program is to allow people with dementia to remain in their homes longer.

This donation will help support Whistler MAC to deepen the impact of this program and meet the growing needs of our community.

The Spo7ez Cultural Centre And Community Society

$13,700 Raised - September 18, 2024

Indigenous Youth Ambassador Program

The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líḻwat7ul Cultural Centre (SLCC) in Whistler is a non-profit registered charity (The Spo7ez Cultural Centre And Community Society), an Indigenous-owned organization, and employs over 90% Indigenous Ambassadors.

The Indigenous Youth Ambassador (IYA) Program is an immersive cultural and tourism education program that teaches the foundations of business, through the lens of an Indigenous cultural centre in Whistler BC. This ten-week paid training includes placement in the Food & Beverage, Retail, and Cultural Departments. They provide a safe space for students to gain confidence, skills and work experience, while discovering their personal strengths and interests. The IYA Program provides Certification Programs, Industry Sectors Introduction, Tourism Related Career Discover, Professional Development, Mentorship and Positive Cultural Awareness for the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. SLCC Revenue and Labour Support is in turn provided by students for departments once they have been trained to handle daily business. This allows Cultural Ambassadors and leaders time to work on special projects and tackle more in-depth work. The SLCC also benefits from trained staff once IYA students graduate, by providing a labour pool. Accreditation for graduates of the IYA Program are available through Capilano University and BCIT who want to continue education in one of their postsecondary courses.

In 2024 the government funding for this program was not approved and 100 Women Whistler is proud to step in and provide funding to help to continue this impactful community program.

Second Chance Cheekye Ranch Society

$11,300 Raised - May 15, 2024

‘Into the Woods’ Youth Wellness Program

The Second Chance Cheekye Ranch (SCCR) was founded in 2016 with a clear mission: to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome horses in need. Situated on 60 acres of coastal forest, the equine operations are fully nature-based, powered by solar energy and sustainably sourcing water from the Cheakamus River. With the tireless dedication of over 100 volunteers, SCCR upholds the commitment to the well-being of 90+ horses, donkeys, mules and pot-bellied pigs that have found their way to the sanctuary. Many of these volunteers have shared that the ranch, and being in the presence of horses, has rescued them from emotional pain.

It is this profound connection between humans, horses, and nature that inspired SCCR to launch the ‘Into the Woods’ Youth Wellness Program; a transformative initiative aimed at reconnecting youth with nature through equine-guided mindfulness practices. In today’s fast-paced world, where academic pressures and digital distractions abound, this program provides a safe and welcoming space for youth to explore mindfulness, nature immersion, and creative expression alongside the gentle equine partners. More than just a program, ‘Into the Woods’, represents a vision for the future, fostering resilience, creativity, and leadership skills through empathy and effective communication with horses. Tailored for ages 14-18, this program promises a holistic approach to youth well-being, nurturing a generation of compassionate and grounded individuals ready to face life’s challenges with strength and grace.

The Whistler Writing Society

$11,200 Raised - February 21, 2024

Authors In Schools Program

The Whistler Writing Society's mission is to connect readers to Canadian authors through access to the literary and storytelling arts, and offer craft development opportunities to writers within the Sea to Sky Corridor. The Society accomplishes this through signature programming including the Whistler Writers Festival, Authors in the Schools, Whistler Writer in Residence, Spring Reading Events, One Day Writing Retreats, and other literary community supports.

The Authors in the Schools program brings award-winning, diverse Canadian authors to 21 local elementary and secondary schools in Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, and Mount Currie to engage with students. At the beginning of the school year, and prior to the guest author presentations, the program buys class and reading sets of their current books, and gives them to the schools for study in the classroom. From 2020 - 2023, the Authors In Schools program was offered to over 600 middle and high schools in British Columbia via video recording on our YouTube channel.

The purpose of the Author in the Schools program is to inspire students about the process of writing and storytelling, through engagement with diverse Canadian authors. We hope that by offering these cultural perspectives, youth will be encouraged to write from their own lives, about ideas that matter to them.

Whistler Independent Supported Housing Society

$12,300 Raised - November 22, 2023

Seed Capital Donation

The WISH Society is currently made up of a group of loving parents who have children with developmental disabilities. These children, now young adults, are thriving and living productive, fully-integrated lives in Whistler — working, volunteering and participating in activities and sports programs. They are an important part of the beautiful patchwork that is the Whistler community. WISH's mission is to establish secure housing within Whistler for young adults with developmental disabilities; a supportive future, one where they can live healthy, happy, safe lives in the town where they grew up. The funds donated from 100 Women Whistler will allow this group to move forward more efficiently and effectively with their ask and put together a strong plan of action to make this WISH a reality.

Howe Sound Marine Rescue Society

$12,200 Raised - September 27, 2023

Female Safety Gear and Boat Maintenance

Station 04 - Squamish is a small group of dedicated volunteers who respond to marine and boat-access-only emergencies on the northern half of Howe Sound. Their mandate is to save lives at sea and are on call 24/7, 365 to serve local mariners; assisting and rescuing any type of mariner – canoers, kayakers, sailors, stand up paddle boarders, kiters, recreational boaters, and commercial vessels. This funding received from 100 Women Whistler will be used to purchase additional safety gear for their female rescuers, to ensure a lack of gear is never the barrier to them being able to participate in on the water training or rescues, and to replace the lower unit of one of their outboard boat engines.

Whistler 360 Health Collaborative Society

$11,400 Raised - May 24, 2023

Patient Portal Roll Out and Check In Kiosk

In 2019 a group of Whistlerites formed a Primary Care Task Force to investigate ways to improve the state of primary medical care in the community. Over the next two years we looked at successful models across other communities in BC to come up with a solution that we believe would best serve Whistler. The result is Whistler 360 Health Collaborative Society, which was incorporated under the Societies Act in 2021. Our goal is to create a team-based, professionally managed, community-governed centre of excellence where health care professionals provide patient-focused longitudinal care. The $11,400 donation from 100WW will directly enable us to fund our Patient Portal Roll Out and Check In Kiosk, allowing Whistler 360 Health to save on administrative costs in future and spend those funds on acquiring more doctors at our facility.

Garibaldi Volunteer Fire Department Society

$10,000 Raised - February 22, 2023

Gas Detector Equipment, Training and Community Knowledge Share

The Garibaldi Volunteer Fire Department (GVFD) was established in 1976 to provide fire rescue services, and more recently medical response services, along a section of the Sea to Sky Highway in between Squamish and Whistler. The $10,000 donation from 100WW will be used to purchase a Gas Detector for the department, train their team on the equipment and hold a community open-house to share knowledge and skill on the topic. Fire Chief, Dan Ross, thanked the group by saying, ‘Your donation will save a life; it’s not a matter of if, but when’.

Pemberton District Search & Rescue

$12,400 Raised - November 23, 2022

Member Intake & Protective Equipment

Pemberton and district is a winter wonderland with ample recreation opportunities for the outdoor sports enthusiast. This, and its close proximity to Vancouver and an almost unlimited number of backcountry activities, creates unequaled conditions for a high incidence of backcountry emergencies. When someone goes missing or if a rescue must be conducted, members of Pemberton District Search & Rescue provide the technical and emergency medical skills required to reach, treat and remove injured or distressed people from the backcountry.

The Pemberton District Search & Rescue team is comprised of a diverse group of volunteers who invest countless hours away from family, friends and work to train for and provide critical life saving services to those in need. Members are all trained in ground search and rescue techniques and emergency first aid.

In addition, many members also participate in public education and specialized disciplines, such as Helicopter External Transport Systems (H.E.T.S.), technical rope, swift water and mountain rescue. The area covered by Pemberton District Search & Rescue is one of the largest search & rescue coverage areas in the province, representing over 20,000 square kilometres. From the coast west of Pemberton, south to Whistler, east to head of Harrison lake, and halfway to Kamloops on the north side. The funding received from 100 Women Whistler will go directly towards onboarding 12 new volunteer members, including outfitting them with the necessary protective equipment to complete their work safely.

Whistler Animals Galore (WAG)

$12,000 Raised - September 28, 2022

Critical and Compassionate Care Program

Whistler Animals Galore (WAG) was founded in 1982 when two friends identified the need for an animal rescue service in the Sea-to-Sky corridor. Since then, WAG has grown into a respected community asset, providing many services and unique programs such as our Matchmaker adoption process, lost and found animal services, volunteer programs, foster programs, animal rehabilitation programs, and more.

The funding received from 100 Women Whistler will directly support WAG's Critical Care Fund; this can range from simple treatments of antibiotics to major surgeries, procedures, and long-term medical rehabilitation. Many animals that end up at WAG are there because we are the last place that will accept them. This is especially true when it comes to medical problems, as some rescue organizations are unable or unwilling to take in injured or sick animals. Many people are forced to give up their pet because they cannot afford the veterinary bills, and WAG is the last resource for the veterinarians to avoid unnecessary euthanasia. The animals in this program need vital medical help and the Critical Care Fund is there when no one else is.

Whistler Children's Chorus

$11,000 Raised - April 27, 2022

Christmas at Rainbow - A Musical Production

Founded in 1991, the Whistler Children’s Chorus (WCC) is a non-audition community choir that welcomes children in grades one to seven from Whistler and the Sea to Sky Corridor. Our mission statement is to provide local children with the opportunity for musical, social, and intellectual growth by learning, rehearsing, and performing music from a variety of eras and places of origin. Since 2018, we have operated in partnership with Whistler Public Library, allowing us to offer this program to families free of charge.

The funding we have received from 100 Women Whistler will all the WCC to produce ‘Christmas at Rainbow Lodge’ in December 2022. This play was written by Bob Daly and Molly Boyd, and was first performed by the students of Myrtle Philip School in December 1984. The musical tells a shortened and somewhat fictionalized story of how Myrtle and Alex Philip came to build Rainbow Lodge, beginning with Alex’s chance meeting of John Millar in Vancouver in 1911. Unlike many holiday concerts, most of the music in this show is not about Christmas. Instead, it features folk songs from the Pacific Northwest, many collected by Philip J Thomas, who was instrumental in preserving the folk music of British Columbia. Our plan is to work in partnership with the Whistler Museum, including historical photos of Myrtle, Alex, and Rainbow Lodge in the show; and, we hope to produce the show at Maury Young Arts Centre.

Whistler Museum and Archives Society

$10,300 Raised - February 23, 2022

Oral History Project

The mandate of the Whistler Museum and Archives Society (WMAS) is to collect, preserve, document, and interpret mountain life – with an emphasis on Whistler – for the benefit and enrichment of the public. The natural and human history, development of tourism, community events and 2010 Winter Olympic Legacy of the Whistler Valley region are the primary focus for all collecting, research, and programming activities. As a cultural centre and forum for learning, the Whistler Museum develops innovative exhibitions, educational programs and multimedia projects to enhance Whistler's world class reputation in the international mountain community.

The funds from 100 Women Whistler will help WMAS conduct 50 oral history interviews over the next year. This includes transcribing and ensuring safe keeping in accordance with archival and collection standards. Oral history interviews can provide a fuller, more accurate picture of the past and is a way of gathering, recording, and preserving a diverse range of personal experiences that may not be as well documented in other historical materials. Eyewitnesses to events contribute various viewpoints and perspectives that fill in the gaps in documented history, sometimes correcting or even contradicting the written record. Interviewers can ask questions left out of other records and to interview people whose stories have been untold or forgotten. At times, an interview may serve as the only source of information available about a certain place, event, or person.

Whistler Adaptive Sports Program

$11,900 Raised - November 24, 2021

Building Back Better

Whistler Adaptive is committed to introducing individuals with a disability to sport, recreation and therapeutic sport programming. Whistler Adaptive supports sport for life by breaking down the financial, physical and social barriers, as well as creating skills that will lead to future employment within sport and beyond. Whistler Adaptive empowers individuals through access to the spectacular Sea to Sky Corridor, providing them with the environment, support and opportunity to become physically active and focus on their abilities rather than disabilities. Programs are accessible to both children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities.

The funds received from 100 Women Whistler will be used for Whistler Adaptive to “Build Back Better”. Whistler Adaptive will be able to open back up their winter programming to full capacity, including their ski & snowboard program, and provide critical refresher and safe sport training to 50 instructors and coaches. Whistler Adaptive aims to provide service to 200 additional participants this winter season and grow local sport programming, with a special focus on children, youth and adults living in the Sea to Sky Corridor.

Canadian Red Cross

$2,800 Raised - November 24, 2021

British Columbia Floods & Extreme Weather Appeal

Our province has been dealing with some extreme weather damage and crisis recently; because of this, several members reached out asking to complete our Q4 group donation to support the BC flood disaster response. At the time of the flooding we had already confirmed our nominated organizations and made presentation arrangements for Q4; however, we wanted to offer an extra option for 100 Women Whistler Members to use the power of our giving group and raise a second donation total. We collected funds from members who chose to send a second donation and provided those funds to the Canadian Red Cross - British Columbia Floods & Extreme Weather Appeal on behalf of 100 Women Whistler. The Canadian Red Cross is working to get help to people in and around affected areas as quickly as possible and provide humanitarian assistance for new needs as they arise. Money raised will enable the Red Cross to carry out relief, recovery, resiliency and risk reduction activities in and beyond the region at the individual and community levels.

Sea to Sky Hospice Society

$12,000 Raised - September 22, 2021

The Importance of 1 on 1 Counseling in the Sea to Sky Corridor

The Sea to Sky Hospice Society actively promotes compassionate care and provides support to improve the quality of life for people of all cultures with life limiting illness, their loved ones and the bereaved throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor. We were founded and are currently located in Squamish, however in our 15 years of service we have expanded our reach to community members throughout the Sea to Sky. We currently support individuals and families from Birken to Lion’s Bay.

Overall hospice staff and volunteers offer an extra layer of support, positively impacting physician and nursing teams, as well as individuals and families during life’s most challenging times. We provide counselling groups and one on one support to people throughout the Corridor.

The funds that we will receive from the 100 Women Who Care Whistler Group will support our 1 on 1 counselling program so that we can meet the increasing needs of the Sea to Sky Community members who are struggling with a life limiting diagnosis, caregiving for a loved one or grieving the death of a loved one. Over the past 2 years and particularly since Covid we have noticed an increase in people seeking more one on one counselling support. We have seen that former resources such as volunteers, groups, peer connections and other sources of support are less available now. As well, people are feeling the stress of the pandemic, particularly those who are trying to manage the grief they are experiencing due to the end of their own life or someone they love. The hospice society has always offered free one on one limited counselling sessions, and over the years we have seen the need for this support increase. Some of the reasons are due to the changing face of those facing end of life, no longer only the elderly, we now we see more people at a younger age in our programs, we are more often approached by surviving parents for assistance in speaking to their children about death and grief, we see COVID significantly impacting caregivers which causes them to reach out for support more frequently and grievers are struggling due to the lack of formal end of life acknowledgements and community support.

These funds will help us continue to reach out to community members throughout the Sea to Sky allowing us to offer one on one counselling support to more people in need. So far this year the Sea to Sky Hospice Society has personally reached out to over 77 clients and with these additional grant funds we will see those numbers increase by potentially 125+ counselling sessions per year. These funds will enable community residents to be seen by a Registered Clinical Counsellor (offering supported fees) as they face their own end of life or the death of a loved one.

When people think of hospice they typically think of Grandma or Grandpa dying peacefully in a beautiful setting and lovely volunteers there to support. The fact is our corridor often sees more complex deaths – younger people, sudden losses, Medical Assistance in Dying (Maid), suicide deaths and often these deaths young survivors, unexpected parents and even children needing support. The Sea to Sky Hospice Society is the main source of care for those seeking grief counselling. We recognize that while not all grief is traumatic and can be supported with trained volunteers, some grief is more traumatic and requires trained individuals to offer evidence-based counselling. With the support of 100 Women who care Whistler we will meet that need and provide this compassion counselling support for the dying and the grieving in our corridor.

Whistler Community Services Society

$12,000 Raised - May 26, 2021

TOGETHER Outreach Appeal

Whistler is a town synonymous with dreams. However, we are not immune to the challenges in society found outside our beautiful valley. Substance use, depression, anxiety, and financial insecurity all live here alongside us. While the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light many of these personal challenges people are facing, these difficult issues have been in our community long before the pandemic came along. And Whistler Community Services Society is here to help. In fact, they have been helping since 1989.

Alongside National Mental Health Week, WCSS launched an appeal to our community. By June 15th, they aim to raise $50,000 in support of inclusive outreach programs designed to support and enrich the lives of our community’s underserved residents.

Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

$11,500 Raised - February 24, 2021

Boarder X Art Exhibit

The Lil̓wat and Squamish Nations have coexisted in the territory now known as Whistler since time immemorial, thriving on the bounty of the landscapes that surround them. Their cultures are rooted in ancient traditions that are evolving in a modern world. The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre was built to preserve their cultures and celebrate and share them with others, inspire and educate visitors, guests, and community members about the importance of Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Lil̓wat7ul (Lil̓wat) ways and their importance to modern day culture. With 96% Indigenous staff, the SLCC works every day to provide meaningful and purposeful employment to the staff and Ambassadors. Because of COVID-19, very few visitors are coming through the door this year; the Cultural Ambassadors are losing their opportunity to share positive awareness and visibility of Indigenous people with local communities and international guests.

The 100 Women of Whistler have helped fund hope, purpose, and a connection sought to strengthen the Sea to Sky community: a bridge between the passions that lie behind Whistler recreational culture and the Indigenous connection and stewardship of this land. The money raised will help stage Boarder X, an exhibit featuring local and international Indigenous artists that use snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing as mechanisms to demonstrate knowledge and performed relationships with the land. Originally curated at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, this will be the first time an Indigenous owned building will house the spirit provoking pieces. The artwork curated will reflect cultural, political, environmental and social perspectives in relationship to the landscapes and territories we occupy. This is an exhibit aimed to draw stronger relationships between the original people of this land, whom the SLCC represents, and the young adults and kids (and kids at heart) of Whistler and the Sea to Sky community. Cultural Ambassadors and their families working alongside locals, witnessing and experiencing how sport transforms into art, and how Indigenous culture transforms a better understanding of the healing and reconciling effects when there is a shared appreciation and connection to our land.

Board culture is active and growing in Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation, and communing with the outdoors has been integral in the communities’ cultural journeys and healing processes. This exhibit is a touchpoint for viewers to gain a deeper understanding of their modern relations with the land, drawing from traditional teachings and cultural knowledge.

Come visit Boarder X when it opens this spring!

Whistler Health Care Foundation

$11,200 Raised - November 25, 2020

Trauma Room Upgrade

Since its opening 25 years ago, the Whistler Health Care Centre (WHCC) has seen a significant increase in trauma and trauma related injuries. An aging and increased population combined with an increase in high-risk sporting activity has put significant pressure on the existing system.

The campaign to raise funds for the upgrades at the WHCC began at the end of 2019, and is the largest single campaign undertaken by the Whistler Health Care Foundation (WHCF). Partnering with Vancouver Coastal Health, the Whistler Health Care Foundation is raising the funds required to increase the usable size and improve the functionality of the current trauma rooms so the medical staff can continue to provide the best care to our most critical patients.

Thanks to this impactful donation from 100 Women Whistler, the WHCF is one step closer to their $1.5M goal to complete this project for our community; construction is scheduled to start Spring 2021.

The Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation

$11,300 Raised - September 16, 2020

Mental Health Marketing Campaign

The Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation was formed when Kerry and Ginny Dennehy lost their son Kelty from depression related suicide. The Dennehy’s felt very strongly about doing something to make a difference so that others would not have to travel the same journey they did so with the help and support of a dedicated board they formed the Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation in 2001. The mission of the foundation is to provide mental health resources for young people through care, education and research.

Over the years the foundation has worked with a variety of partners to develop such resources as the Kelty Mental Resource Centre at BC Children’s hospital, the Kelty Dennehy Resource Centre at HOpe Centre at Lions Gate Hospital and, most recently, free online therapy programs called Kelty’s Keys with Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and Vancouver General Hospital. These programs are making an important difference for so many people who have used them, but the unfortunate current situation is that not everyone in our community is aware that these resources exist and are readily available for them when they or someone they care about are in need. During these times of COVID19 we have seen that mental health issues have been on the increase for so many families. It is important that not only those that suffer from mental health issues know about these resources, but it’s also so important for all friends, families, educators and medical professionals to know where and how to access the resources that are available to our community.

The money that has been awarded to the foundation will be used to hire a professional marketing person to develop a plan and materials so that our community is made better aware of these already funded programs by the foundation. Knowledge is power and getting the message out is the focus of this essential campaign.

Howe Sound Women's Centre

$9,400 Raised - May 27, 2020

Transportation and Technology Support

The Howe Sound Women’s Centre has been supporting the needs of survivors of gender based violence in the Sea to Sky Corridor for nearly 40 years. They provide emergency housing, crisis support, sexual assault response and prevention services, outreach services, children’s counselling and homeless prevention programs throughout the region and each year support more than 5000 visits to their varied programs.

This donation will provide funding for emergency transportation expenses for survivors fleeing violence, particularly for those in remote communities, as well as access to technology for these survivors. Transportation is a major barrier for our community's most vulnerable; this will allow HSWC to purchase gas cards, bus tickets, cab fare, and in some cases, when necessary, the ability to support HSWC staff in transporting a woman to safety. In addition, this gift will also support the purchase of much needed technology for women fleeing violence. Women staying at our transition house or safe home can access the computers available to them there, but for those who need to stay in hotels, providing them with a basic laptop is a lifeline that allows them to begin to safety plan and access the resources (both financial and emotional) that will help them move forward. A key component of this is that these devices are less likely to be traced by their abuser. In addition, for families with children, the laptops would provide access to online learning tools, virtual PEACE Counselling with HSWC's team and connections to friends and family, if deemed safe to do so. These laptops will be gifted to recipients to keep and will serve as a tool towards safety and long term well being.

Arts Whistler

$13,600 Raised - February 26, 2020

Arts Scene Publication 2020/21

Arts Whistler, formerly the Whistler Arts Council, is a registered charity established in 1982 with the goal of weaving arts and culture into the fabric of the Whistler community. They advocate for the arts, local artists, and the local community, providing opportunities for people to have access to bold, inspiring, and engaging experiences in the arts community. Arts Whistler is the community’s umbrella arts organization, playing a significant leadership role in arts advocacy and cultural development.

This donation will allow Arts Whistler to continue to produce the Arts Scene publication (2020/21 issues) free of charge to our community artists, creatives, and community partners. Art Scene is Whistler's guide to everything arts and Culture in Whistler and the Sea to Sky. Events, festivals, music, creative workshops and exhibits – it's all in there! Also features Culture Maps so you can take yourself on a tour of cultural venues, art galleries, public art and check out local art exhibited in shops around town. The cover art always features a local artist.

Families Fighting Cancer in the Sea to Sky

$13,600 Raised - November 13, 2019

2 Year Pilot Project: Expanding to All Eligible Sea to Sky Residents

Families Fighting Cancer in the Sea to Sky (FFCSS) is a volunteer led organization that provides financial and other support and resources to families with dependant children in the Sea to Sky who have been hit by a cancer diagnosis. The project put forward to 100 Women Whistler was to allow FFCSS to proceed with a two year pilot project expanding their mandate to include assisting all eligible Sea To Sky residents with cancer in need. FFCSS has had to turn away requesting community members in the past because they did not meet their organization's original mandate of 'families'. Our donation will allow FFCSS to have specific funds to support all individuals moving forward.

Lil'wat Nation Youth Centre

$12,600 Raised - August 28, 2019

Intergenerational Storytelling Mural Project

The Youth Centre Intergenerational Storytelling Mural Project is a project which fosters intergenerational relationships, mentorship, storytelling, and creativity. The project will start off with a call for proposals to find an artist to lead the project. Once this is complete, there will be a sharing circle with the youth, elders, and artist. At this sharing circle, the elders will share their Lil’wat Nation stories with the youth and artist. After the circle is complete, the artist and youth will create a concept art piece based off the elders’ stories. The youth and the artist will then work from the concept art piece to create a mural in the Lil’wat Nation Youth Centre. Upon completion of the mural, the youth, elders, artist, and community will be invited to the unveiling of the Youth Centre Intergenerational Storytelling Mural, where the artist and youth will share a few words about what the art means to them. “As youth from the Lil’wat Nation, we have been gifted the space to rediscover who we are and how we are connected to our land and values through art, song, storytelling and asking questions. With the Youth Council building this center and environment, we are forever grateful for this intergenerational mural storytelling project as it fits in with our vision and goals extraordinarily well. Our intention as the Youth Council is to have created a space for our youth to go and relax while learning more about themselves in a nice, non-invasive way with the chance to discover new ways they can express themselves. Many thanks to all the people who believed in this project and support us whatever way possible, it is creating strength and pride as well as reconnecting the generations. What a beautiful world to create with this opportunity,” said Elizabeth Peters, Lil’wat Nation Youth Council Representative. “This project is important. It is important because it provides an opportunity for the Lil’wat Elders and the Youth to connect in a safe and culturally relevant way: sharing stories; our stories; our history. I am grateful for the 100 Women Whistler contribution because it allows for a project that the community wants with no strings attached. This is a great example of reconciliation,” said Kúkwpi7 Skalúlmecw Chief Dean Nelson.

Zero Ceiling Society of Canada

$11,300 Raised - May 29, 2019

Zero Ceiling reduces youth homelessness and raises the quality of life for young people experiencing homelessness from Vancouver through the Sea to Sky Corridor. They provide housing, employment and professional support that empowers young people with effective, practical tools to live healthy and independent lives. Through adventure-based learning, Zero Ceiling provide opportunities for young people to experience mountain life and cultivate healthy, purposeful direction in their lives. Their Work 2 Live program and Adventure Sessions provide structured outdoor experiences and life skills support that help participants, ages 16-24, get off the streets and into the mountains of Whistler, BC. They believe that mountain experiences are powerful agents for change. All young people should get the chance to breathe mountain air, hear the scrape of a board on snow, feel earth below feet, and wind whooshing past their ears. They should also be given the chance to learn the value of working hard and to feel the pride that comes from building a self-supportive life.

YOUR CHARITY NAME HERE

Each quarter 100 Women Who Care Whistler will randomly select three registered charities from our collection of member-nominated organizations. These three charities will be asked to come and present to our membership group. A vote will take place after all three nominees have presented and majority wins. The selected charity organization will receive the entirety of funds from our membership group ($100 per member).

Their logo and organization description will appear here!

Want to join 100 Women Who Care Whistler?