AFOW Article in Whistler Magazine Winter 2019

Learn more about our organization and the wonderful work they do for the Whistler Community.  Since 2004, AFOW has granted more than $2 million to the Whistler community.

www.whistlermagazine.com

AFOW Making a Difference in the Whistler Community

American Friends of Whistler made a recent donation to the Birth, Baby and Beyond program held through Whistler Community Services Society.

Following is a report from the program director:

In less than four years the program has become very successful and continues to respond to the growing demand in Whistler for post natal care and support. We initially started in 2014 running 2 sessions a year which are 8 weeks in length, To meet the growing demand we are currently running 5 sessions of 8 week programming. All groups are at capacity with participants and we also generate a wait list.

The program is unique as it is designed to support women in their postpartum adjustment and reduce the risks of depression and anxiety after having a baby.  It is facilitated by Clinical Counsellor Candace Postal and Post- Partum Doula Julie Kennedy-Smith.  This combination of mental health and medical support for Mom and Baby has assisted in developing meaningful relationships for moms who feel isolated living in a rural community and without the traditional extended family network of aunts, uncles and grandparents.

Whistler families are also at greater risk for post- partum depression and a difficult transition as they give birth outside of this community in North Vancouver and Squamish. Also most of their prenatal care can be out of community with the midwifery program and expanded obstetric care in Squamish. 

Thank you to the American Friends of Whistler for this donation. It truly is supporting our growing community.

With warmth,

Jackie

Testimonial:

      “Thank you to Whistler Community Services and AFOW for offering such a great program.  Candice and Julie provided such a warm welcoming environment for a group of new moms. Their knowledge as health care professionals is great, but it was their sharing of personal experiences that truly helped me realize that many of the emotions and frustrations I feel are not only normal, but common.

     After difficulty getting pregnant, medical anomalies during my pregnancy, and having to quit breast feeding, I was struggling as a first time mom; the Birth, Baby and Beyond program has truly helped me move forward with my baby boy.” 

AFOW Highlights of 2017

On February 19, at the Audain Art Museum, AFOW members met new Whistler Blackcomb COO, Pete Sonntag, and enjoyed a presentation about happenings on the mountains.  Attendees also received a special tour of the Audain Art Museum.  Thank you to Pete Sonntag, acting mayor, John Grills, the Audain Art Museum staff, the Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery and all those who made this event possible.

More than $130,000 was donated in 2017 to the following organizations:

• Audain Art Museum for the permanent endowment of the museum’s foundation.
• Whistler Writing Society supporting workshop series during 2017 Writers’ Festival.
• Whistler Remembrance Place to build new home for the Whistler Cenotaph to provide a prominent and honorable location for this monument.
• Whistler Mountain Ski Club supporting the USA Team at the 25^th Annual Whistler Cup, one of the largest international childrens’ ski races.
• Whistler Animal Galore for installation of stone fence around dog run.
• Whistler Community Services Society for their Food Bank and outreach programs.
• Spearhead Huts Society for the Kees and Claire Memorial Hut for building supplies.
• Whistler Adaptive Sports Program for a highly specialized adaptive mountain bike for individuals with low mobility.
• Whistler Search and Rescue for equipment.
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Invitation to an Evening With AFOW

An Evening with AFOW and Pete Sonntag

Happy Holidays from American Friends of Whistler

AFOW Highlights 2017

Since 2004, AFOW has provided more than $2 million in financial support to registered, non-profit organizations, providing benefits to the Whistler community in the areas of health and community services, the arts and the environment and outdoor recreation.  More than $130,000 was donated in 2017 to the following organizations:

*Audain Art Museum for the permanent endowment of the museum’s foundation.

*Whistler Writer’s Society supporting workshop series during 2017 Writers’ Festival

*Whistler Remembrance Place to build new home for the Cenotaph to provide a prominent and honourable location for this monument.

*Whistler Mountain Ski Club supporting the USA Team at the 25th Annual Whistler Cup, one of the largest international children’s ski races.

*Whistler Animals Galore for installation of stone fence around dog run.

*Whistler Community Services Society for their Food Bank and outreach programs.

*Spearhead Huts society for the Kees and Claire Memorial hut for building supplies.

*Whistler Adaptive Sports Program for a highly specialized adaptive mountain bike for individuals with low mobility.

*Whistler Search and Rescue for equipment.

With your assistance we can continue to make a difference.  Please give serious thought to advancing the good work of AFOW.  To donate by check or credit card please visit http://www.afow.org/donate.

AFOW Contributes to Whistler Cenotaph

On Saturday, November 11, the community of Whistler gathered at the new Whistler Cenotaph location in Whistler Olympic Plaza to pause, reflect and remember. Contributions from AFOW helped make this new prominent and scenic location possible.  It was reported that 1500 members of the community attended.

Downhill Derelicts donate to WASP

As many other Americans, when DJ Taylor and Jeremy Town first visited Whistler they fell in love with it and made a pledge they would come back. This was in 2003 and they have returned every year and their number has grown to 21 people.

This year they decided to give back to the Whistler community through AFOW and selected Whistler Adaptive Sports Program, which offers programs in a variety of sports, including paddling, rowing, skiing, snowboarding and cycling to kids and adults with different abilities.

They launched a campaign on PledgeIt (pledgeit.org/for/downhillderelicts) that allowed donors to offer a penny per 100 vertical feet skied.  The campaign has raised $20K for WASP.

April News from the Audain Art Museum

AFOW is proud to be a supporter of the Audain Art Museum. Learn more about all the events happening at the AAM in their April newsletter

http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=8b63a979daa760f38b0583429&id=2186711eb2&e=ef861ace33