Zero Ceiling: How a Whistler Charity is Transforming Young Lives—and How You Can Help
Since 1997, Zero Ceiling has been helping young people aged 16 to 27 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Many come from the Lower Mainland, often having faced challenges like aging out of foster care, family instability, addiction, or simply falling through the cracks. What Zero Ceiling offers is simple but profound: a home, a job, and a connection to the mountains that inspire strength and belonging.
Changing Lives Through Work, Housing, and Adventure
The flagship program, Work 2 Live, provides participants with stable housing, full-time employment, and personalized support for an entire year. On top of that, they get to ski, bike, hike, and explore nature—reminding them of what it feels like to be free, to have fun, and to be part of something larger than themselves.
It’s not just the programs that make the difference—it’s the people. From supportive staff to local employers and volunteers, young people in the program are surrounded by mentors who believe in them. Over the past year alone, Zero Ceiling has provided thousands of hours of paid work experience, thousands of nights in safe housing, and countless shared meals that offer the kind of support and structure many of us take for granted.
As one recent graduate put it:
“Zero Ceiling gave me a second chance. I learned how to be independent, how to work hard, and how to feel proud of myself again.”
Summer 2025: New Participants, Big Goals
This summer, Zero Ceiling is welcoming four new participants into their full-year program, while also running weekly outdoor activities for dozens more youth throughout the Sea to Sky region. From hiking Wednesdays to mountain biking Thursdays, the goal is to offer not just recreation—but real, healing connection to the land and to others.
To help fuel this work, they’ve launched a donation-matching campaign where every dollar donated is doubled—up to $15,000. That means community support can have twice the impact.
They’re also hosting a number of local events, including a summer BBQ, a Creekbread pizza fundraiser, and the All-Aboard Skate Jam in August, to raise awareness and funds while bringing people together.
How You Can Help
If you’re wondering how you can support Zero Ceiling’s mission, there are three powerful ways to make a difference:
1. Donate: Whether it’s a one-time gift or a monthly commitment, every dollar helps provide housing, employment, meals, and mentorship to youth who need it most.
2. Fundraise: From organizing small events to joining larger community fundraisers, there are so many creative ways to raise money—every bit helps.
3. Volunteer: Zero Ceiling often needs volunteers to help with outdoor sessions, special events, and even professional skills like marketing, design, or trades. If you’ve got time or talent to offer, they’d love to hear from you.
Community Means Showing Up
At its core, Zero Ceiling isn’t just a charity—it’s a reflection of what Whistler and the Sea to Sky can be when we choose to look out for one another. It's about saying that every young person, regardless of where they come from, deserves a shot at a stable, healthy life.
If you’ve ever wanted to give back to the place you call home—or the place that gives you so much joy on weekends and holidays—this is one of the most meaningful ways to do it.
This summer, let’s come together to uplift those who need it most. Let’s help more youth climb toward a future that once seemed out of reach. Because when we lift each other up, we all rise.