The American Friends of Whistler (AFOW) recently announced a $50,000 donation to the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program’s (WASP) new Welcome and Equipment Centre at Whistler Blackcomb, designed as a permanent legacy for individuals with a disability in Whistler.

The donation, announced on May 5, brings the local community’s support of the project so far to $375,000, three-quarters of the way toward WASP’s target of raising $500,000 for the project.

The proposed Welcome and Equipment Centre is a two-storey, stand-alone building at mid-station on Whistler Mountain and will replace the current WASP Equipment Centre provided by the Rotary Club of Whistler in 2000. The open, welcoming, accessible facility would be used by the participants in the Whistler Adaptive Ski and Ride Program, as well as WASP’s Hiking and Para-Alpine Ski Racing programs.

“The American Friends of Whistler have been so generous in their support of the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program,” Chelsey Walker, WASP executive director, said in a statement.

“Approximately 35 per cent of our clientele are Americans with a disability and this funding will provide have a significant impact on the visitors and locals who use our programs.”

The donation of $50,000 contributes to the lasting community legacy being created for Jeff Harbers, an AFOW co-founder and its first president. AFOW join First Canadian Development Corp., the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation and Scotiabank in supporting the project.

“The American Friends of Whistler has been very impressed with WASP’s work and is honoured to be part of this project which will enable its further growth,” said Rod Rohda, AFOW president.