Community fundraisers extraordinaire, the Downhill Derelicts return to Whistler for their 23rd annual ski trip and we are stoked to welcome them!
42 revved and ready DD’s gathered last night at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) for their annual opening ceremonies with WAS athlete’s Aven Elsberg and Ella Lamb, together with their families who shared with the group, the impact that Whistler Adaptive Sports Program has had on their lives.
“Something like this gives Ella the opportunity to be outdoors. Unfortunately mainstream programs don’t have the resources to accommodate someone with additional needs who needs to be watched at all times.” said Ella’s father Anthony.
Aven’s mother, Shannon thanked the DD’s for their long-running commitment to the Whistler community and fundraising each year for WAS: ‘From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Our whole family have always spent our time outside and you cannot imagine the impact of being able to get this kid back outside, it’s everything.’
Aven described how WAS programs have got him back to being active outdoors and discovering new sports.
What started out in 2003 as a few friends annual ski vacation has become (with every vertical foot conquered) an epic community fundraising movement! Now with more than 100 members, hailing from five different countries, over the years the Downhill Derelicts have raised over $340,000 for adaptive sports.
We believe in the power of collective action, says founder DJ Taylor — our motto is, “The impact of every avalanche starts with a single snowflake.” This reflects our belief that when we unite our individual efforts and donations, we can create a profoundly positive impact on others.
This week the Downhill Derelicts will be drumming up donations for WAS. To support their efforts and follow their progress head to https://charity.pledgeit.org/DownhillDerelict2025, or join the DD’s for apres at the Longhorn on Tuesday!
Watch to learn more here: