May 29, 2007

Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Environmental Fund

Accepting proposals for funding from Sea to Sky groups.

The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Environmental Fund (WBFEF) is currently accepting applications for funding from groups in the Sea to Sky corridor. The deadline for proposals is June 15th.

The Environmental Fund provides annual monetary grants to registered non-profit organizations whose actions benefit the natural environment in the Sea to Sky Corridor. 

The WBFEF was created in 2001 to provide a means for Whistler Blackcomb staff members to get involved in supporting local environmental projects. The bulk of its funding comes from Whistler Blackcomb staff members who sign up to donate funds from their pay cheques. In turn, these funds are matched by the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation. The Environmental Fund also receives support from the Raynier Foundation in Seattle and holds an annual Telluride Mountainfilm on Tour event in Whistler. To date, the WBFEF has raised over $200,000 and sponsored 27 projects. 

Previous projects supported by the grants include fish & wildlife habitat projects, mountain bike trail maintenance and improvement, education & interpretive work, bear management, and support for community sustainability planning and programs in Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton. Once the applications are received a board, comprised of a cross-section of Whistler Blackcomb staff members, decides which groups will receive funding.

WBFEF's mandate is to expand fundraising efforts to support larger environmental projects with long-term results within the Sea to Sky Corridor, as well as to build strong partnerships with community stakeholders.

"We are grateful to our staff members for making a difference by supporting the important environmental work that is being done by local groups," says Allana Hamm, chairperson for the WBFEF. "We are excited to hear about what is being planned for the future and look forward to seeing a lot of interesting and valuable proposals again this year."

If you would like to know more about the WBFEF or are interested in submitting a proposal, please contact:

Allana Hamm
Chairperson for the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Environmental Fund Phone (604) 938-7083
E-mail ahamm@intrawest.com 

The deadline for proposals is June 15, 2007.

Consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler Blackcomb elevates summer adventure to new heights. On-Mountain activities include high alpine hiking and sightseeing via the Peak Chair on Whistler, epic riding in North America's number one ranked lift-accessed mountain bike park, and summer skiing and riding on Blackcomb's Horstman Glacier. In the valley, sparkling mountain lakes and beaches, four championship golf courses, and Whistler's vibrant pedestrian village filled with restaurants, patios, cafés, shops, galleries and spas are all surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Whistler Blackcomb continues to raise the level of mountain excitement for its guests, and has unveiled plans for a new high speed quad accessing Whistler Mountain's spectacular high alpine for the 06/07 winter season. Located a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver up the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway, this four season resort is truly spectacular by nature. Check it out at www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

ABOUT INTRAWEST

Intrawest is a world leader in experiential destination resorts.  The company has interests in eleven resorts at North America's most popular mountain destinations including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Intrawest network also includes Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida and Club Intrawest—a private resort club with nine locations throughout North America.  In addition, Intrawest develops real estate at its resorts and at other locations across North America and in Europe.  Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.intrawest.com

-30-

Proud to be a venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games