Help us help your neighbours
Food security is a basic human right. Many people in Whistler have struggled since the COVID-19 crisis to put food on their table. On behalf of the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS), we would like to recognize the recent outpouring of generosity in Whistler to help those who need it most. Donations from community members, partners, and local businesses have been truly heart-warming.
We are thankful that we could meet this initial demand during COVID-19.But right now we are experiencing a growing and urgent need to support our community that has challenged our organization in a way we have never before experienced in our 30-year history.Our ReUseIt and ReBuildIt Centres are closed and unable to accept or sell donated items at this time. As a social enterprise, these centres are the main source of funding for WCSS to operate the Food Bank, Outreach Services and about 20 programs and services typically offered.
That’s why we’re reaching out to help us FEED THE NEED. We’re aiming to raise $100,000 by May 1 to show our love and compassion for those who need our support the most.
Emergency food for those in need
The Whistler Food Bank spent more on groceries last week than it would normally spend in an entire year. The Food Bank helped about 1,000 people over the last two weeks. These are your neighbours, long time locals, children and youth. Hardworking people who have never considered using a food bank before have come for emergency food bags. Many families in Whistler are in need, with both parents laid off and no foreseeable return to work. What a few clients shared about their experience:
“Thank you so much. I’ve never had to do this before. I’ve done lots of donations, personally and with work, but this was a humbling experience and I cannot thank WCSS enough for their help. 12 years in Whistler, trying to start a family. This helps more than you could ever know.”
“I feel so blessed for this service and I really would love to help somedayJ.”
Outreach Services for vital emotional support
Six days a week, our Outreach team at WCSS is fully booked with appointments to help with emotional support, assistance filling out government forms, providing referrals to counselling options, advocating for our client’s rights and helping them find food and shelter. It is heart-breaking work but we’re grateful to be able to help during this crisis.
Anxiety levels are high and without programs and social connection to help cope with life’s challenges, a record number of people in our community need help. Our counsellors are hearing deep concerns and real strain when they connect with people on their calls:
“Clients have expressed worries about whether they will have to leave Whistler for good. Some have even been here over 10 years but may have to move ‘home’ because of no work and high expenses.”
“Clients that are having to juggle work, homeschooling, and household responsibilities are expressing increased anxiety about how long they can manage. They have mentioned that ‘one day at a time’ is difficult since there is no end date.”
Make a donation by May 1 – we can’t do it alone
We need to raise $100,000 by May 1 to help keep our essential services running. Our community needs this support now more than ever and we can’t do it alone.
Can you help ensure our Outreach workers be there for our neighbours through these difficult days? Or provide a week’s worth of groceries for a neighbour who is having a hard time?
If you can, please donate today.
- A donation of $100 will help our Outreach team provide emotional support for an individual.
- A donation of $175 will go a long way to provide emergency food for a family in Whistler.
We’re so grateful to everyone who has made a gift in the last few weeks. Help spread the word and, if you haven’t already, please make a donation by May 1 to help keep our Outreach and Food Bank teams providing vital services at the front lines of this pandemic.
Thank you for helping us help Whistler’s workforce.
The Whistler Community Services Society