Celebrating Community Service: 2026 Defender Service Awards

For the fifth year, ei³ is proud to sponsor the Community Services category at the Defender Service Awards, recognizing nonprofit organizations making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve. This year’s winner, Whistler Community Services Society, will receive a customized Defender 130 and $30,000 USD to help further its work supporting food security, mental health, outreach and community wellness in Whistler, British Columbia.

Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) has been serving the Whistler community for 30 years, providing programs and services designed to support the health and well-being of local residents.

Its work includes the Whistler Food Bank, school food programs, confidential outreach and mental health support, alongside a range of other services that respond to changing needs in the community.

The new Defender comes at an especially meaningful time for WCSS. The organization entered this year’s awards with a need to replace a vital outreach vehicle used to connect people with essential programs and resources throughout the region.

See their story:

Celebrating the 2026 Community Services finalists

WCSS was one of five organizations selected as finalists for the 2026 Community Services Award, presented by ei³. Together, they represent the many different ways nonprofit organizations strengthen the communities around them.

• Covenant House New Jersey — Newark, New Jersey
  Providing housing, supportive services and resources to young people experiencing homelessness and survivors of human trafficking.
  
  
• Fetter Health Care Network — Charleston, South Carolina
  Providing comprehensive healthcare services throughout South Carolina’s Lowcountry, with a focus on making care accessible regardless of a person's ability to pay.
  
  
• First Baptist Gatlinburg Food Pantry — Gatlinburg, Tennessee
  Supporting individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in Gatlinburg and surrounding East Tennessee communities.
  
  
• Living Lakes Canada — Nelson, British Columbia
  Working with communities across Canada on freshwater monitoring, restoration and stewardship to protect lakes, rivers, aquifers, wetlands and watersheds.
  
  
• Whistler Community Services Society — Whistler, British Columbia
  Supporting community health and wellness through food security, outreach, mental health services and other local programs.

Each finalist also received a $5,000 donation from presenting partner Chase, while WCSS received the category’s top award: a customized Defender 130 and $30,000 in prize funding.

Learn more about the 2026 Defender Service Awards and this year’s winners →

Five years of supporting community service

2026 marks ei³’s fifth consecutive year sponsoring the Community Services category of the Defender Service Awards.

Since 2022, we’ve had the privilege of recognizing five organizations whose work makes a direct impact in the communities they serve:

• 2022 — Mercy Chefs
  Delivering professionally prepared meals to communities affected by natural disasters, emergencies and other hardships.
• 2023 — Kairos Adventures
  Creating inclusive arts and community experiences that empower individuals with disabilities.
• 2024 — Nathaniel’s Hope
  Supporting children with special needs and their families through care, resources and community programs.
• 2025 — Feeding Northeast Florida
  Addressing food insecurity across Northeast Florida through food rescue, distribution and community partnerships.
• 2026 — Whistler Community Services Society
  Supporting health and wellness through food security, outreach, mental health services and other community programs.

The missions and communities may be different, but the common thread remains the same: organizations identifying a need, bringing people together and finding practical ways to make a difference.

Congratulations, Whistler Community Services Society

We’re proud to celebrate WCSS, its team and the entire Whistler community that rallied behind them throughout this year’s awards.

Now in its sixth year, the Defender Service Awards recognize charitable organizations across the United States and Canada whose work creates positive impact in their communities.

Congratulations to Whistler Community Services Society — we look forward to seeing how the new Defender helps take your work even further.