The Whistler Elders Enrichment Society has officially achieved charitable status, marking a major milestone for a group that began with a simple, heartfelt goal: to make life better for Whistler’s aging population–without asking them to leave town to find support.
After years of raising tens of thousands of dollars for the Alzheimer Society of B.C., Wendy Barber, Erika Durlacher, and Cheryl Waters, a small but determined team, made a tough call. Despite repeated promises that some of the funds raised would support local programs, and an attempt to start programming last year by the Alzheimer Society, appropriate space was unavailable.
“We were raising a lot of money,” said Barber. “Over $70,000 in recent years, and at one point, a benefactor matched $35,000. But each year we were told a program would be launched in Whistler, and each year—nothing happened. It was a very difficult decision, but we decided if we were raising the money, we wanted it to go to the people in Whistler.”
So, they pivoted.
The trio formally stepped away from the Alzheimer Society’s Walk for Memories and began laying the groundwork for their own initiative. A letter was sent, respectfully bowing out of future participation, and the seeds of what would become the Whistler Elders Enrichment Society were planted.
Their mission? To keep seniors connected, supported, and most importantly–here in Whistler.
The society was officially incorporated in May 2024. From there, it was a clear next step: gain charitable status, which would allow the group to issue tax receipts for donations. “That’s huge,” Barber noted. “When you’ve got generous donors, being able to provide tax receipts really makes a difference.”
Barber, who also sits on the board of the Mature Action Community (MAC), originally thought MAC had charitable status and that the two groups could work together seamlessly. When she realized that wasn’t the case, the society decided to pursue it independently. Now that they’ve secured it, they’re ready to take action.
While MAC continues to focus on social programming—largely funded through grants—the Whistler Elders Enrichment Society is positioning itself as a fundraising arm, helping support MAC’s offerings while also developing its own initiatives. “Grants are always a worry,” said Barber. “You might not get them again, or you’re limited in when you can apply. Now, people can donate directly to our fundraising efforts and know the money is staying in Whistler for our seniors.”
And staying in Whistler is a key concern. “A lot of seniors are going to Pemberton or Squamish for services,” Barber said. “They have municipally funded buildings, dedicated staff. We don’t. We want to find a facility that can serve our seniors—a space that’s accessible and reliable.”
In the meantime, grassroots efforts have kept the community connected. A weekly “Coffee and Conversation” series at the Spruce Grove Fieldhouse has been well attended in the summer, providing an anchor for those beginning to experience symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s. “Socialization is huge,” Barber emphasized. “Having a regular, familiar space helps people stay connected, and that connection can make all the difference.”
The society is now planning its first major fundraiser—a walk scheduled tentatively for May or June.
“We’re excited. This will be the start of something we hope will grow,” Barber said.
Their focus remains clear: keep Whistler’s seniors here, supported and surrounded by community.
“Having that sense of belonging, of continuity—it’s critical. We just want to make sure our elders can thrive, right here in Whistler.”
