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‘Cubby' pins to benefit WAG, bear society

Whistler “Cubby” pins created by Councillor Tom Thomson went on sale at selected local retailers this week, with proceeds going to a pair of local non-profit groups in support of animal welfare initiatives.

In addition to the approximately 4,500 pins given out to Sea to Sky corridor students free of charge in advance of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, some 1,600 of the pins are for “sale” for a minimum donation of $5, with proceeds going to Whistler Animals Galore (WAG) and the Get Bear Smart Society (GBSS).

A couple of weeks ago, Thomson said he expected the pins to be a hot item for both souvenir collectors and pin traders alike during the Games.

Sylvia Dolson, GBSS executive director, agreed, adding that with an image of a bear on the pin, it's fitting that it serve as a fundraiser for the group, which works to minimize human-bear conflicts through education and wise management of potential bear attractants.

Both Thomson and Dolson are members of the Whistler Bear Working Group, a multi-stakeholder committee that aims to help locals and resort guests live in harmony with Whistler's bear population.

“For the (GBSS), the pin represents all that is wild about Whistler as well as Whistlerites' willingness to step up to the plate and do their part to become bear smart,” Dolson said in an email to The Question.

“The black bear totem represents strength, courage and leadership. It's a perfect fit for what the Olympics is all about,” she added, “and a perfect fit for what Whistlerites strive for. We are without a doubt a strong, courageous bunch leading the way on so many fronts, but particularly on environmental issues and wildlife protection.”

Paula Del Bosco, WAG executive director, on Monday (Feb. 8) said so far the pins are for sale at Cracked Pepper in Function Junction, at the shelter on Nesters Road and WAG's Facebook page. She was exploring other outlets for distribution of the pins.

WAG will donate the money from the sale to the group's Critical Care Fund, which helps pay the veterinary bills of animals that come into the shelter in need of immediate medical attention, Del Bosco said.

“This is just such a fabulous opportunity that Tom has offered us,” Del Bosco said. “The totem with a bear stands for strength and leadership, and wee thought that was a great thing for everyone to strive toward.”

The list of local retailers carrying the pins on behalf of the Get Bear Smart Society are The Grocery Store, Nesters, Upper Village Market and Creekside Market. Dolson said she expected other retailers to have them available this week as well.

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