Officials with the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation (WBF) and Whistler Adaptive Sports Program (WASP) this week announced a $150,000 foundation commitment to WASP’s new Welcome and Equipment Centre at Whistler Blackcomb.

The donation moves WASP closer to achieving the dream of providing a permanent legacy for individuals with a disability in Whistler.

“The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program is amazed at the generosity of the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation,” Chelsey Walker, WASP executive director, said in a statement issued on April 7. “Their commitment to fund the close to 2,000-square-foot facility that will offer the opportunity for WASP to continue to expand its innovative, affordable, sports and recreational programs in a manner that reflects the reputation of Whistler as a premier mountain resort destination.”

The grant was made possible through a legacy fund created for Jeff Harbers, past president of the American Friends of Whistler (AFOW). The proposed “Welcome and Equipment Centre at Whistler-Blackcomb” is a two story, stand-alone building at mid-station on Whistler Mountain that would replace the current WASP Equipment Centre provided by the Rotary Club of Whistler in 2000.

The WBF joins First Canadian Development Corp., the AFOW and Scotiabank in supporting the project.

“The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation is proud to be able to donate such a significant amount of money to the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program for their new equipment facility. We are thrilled that the funds will also create a lasting legacy for Jeff Harbers and his family,” said Mei McCurdy, WBF executive director. “Jeff was an amazing supporter of (the foundation) and we are honoured to be able to help preserve his memory.”