LOCAL PROFILES
LEADING REAL ESTATE EXPERTS SINCE 1978
Kendall Benbow Whistler Native and Animal Lover WREC: How long have you lived in Whistler and been with WAG? I grew up in Whistler, my parents moved here in 1991 and I started Kindergarten that year. I volunteered for about a year with WAG before I got a job there. I’ve now worked here with the animals for about two and a half years. WREC: Why do you think WAG is so important to Whistler? We provide services for animals not just in Whistler, but all up and down the Sea to Sky Corridor and as far as Lilooet and Skatin (SkookumChuck). A lot of our animals are rehomed into the Whistler Valley, so it’s not hard to meet people that have adopted from WAG. In the last few years we’ve taken on a few cases that have made us a home for rehabilitation as well. Our dogs Lola, Marvin, Cal and Sol are a few of our longer term residents. It’s all about finding the right home for these animals and that means not rushing the process. WREC: What does a typical work day look like at WAG? Every day is different! It depends who we have in house that day and what’s going on. We come in and do all the cleaning and get everyone fed and out for their walks. We also manage all the volunteers coming in as well. Some days we’ll get a call that someone is coming in with a litter of puppies or kittens, or someone is coming by with an injured animal. Things can change around the shelter for sure. WREC: What do you do when not working or hanging out with the WAG residents? Whistler has endless possibilities, so I love to ski, bike, hike, paddleboard, enjoy a beer on the patio... I love waking up and being able to do whatever I want to do on those days.
Grace Blok Community Service Worker and Tireless Volunteer
WREC: What’s been your involvement with Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) since you moved to town permanently? My husband and I just passed our 20th anniversary since moving to Whistler and I’ve been working for WCSS for about four and a half years now. Before that I was on the WCSS board of directors for about three years. I’ve always loved volunteering to support local organizations and events. This was an opportunity to learn how people and businesses work together in a community, it’s a lot more connected than what you would find in a big city. WREC: What’s the goal of WCSS in the Whistler community? Our mission is that we support and advocate for a healthy community. As much as possible, we want to support people and make sure they are getting their basics; food, shelter, clothing, working meaningful jobs. Sometimes that can be practical assistance like helping low income locals apply for a PLAY credit at Meadow Park Sports Centre or referring new mothers to a support group to help with their babies sleeping better at night. WREC: What’s your favourite thing about having moved here to Whistler 20 years ago? I’m more of a summer fan than winter! I do a lot more running, biking and hiking than I do snowboarding these days. I’m selective as to which days I’ll go up the mountain during the winter, I like it when it’s sunny. Recreation aside, I think one of my favourite things is living in a community where you connect with other people daily. There are so many ways for the people here to support each other.
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