Christmas has come and gone, along with the all-out consumer binge-fest we’ve been in for the past few months. It’s kind of hard to avoid. The commercials have been running since Halloween, the stores have been offering deals you simply can’t pass up, and money goes faster than Santa sliding down a chimney. And while giving to those we love is very, very nice, it’s also worth noting that there are lots of others out there who could use some help. With this in mind, I’ve put together a list of ski-related charities that are definitely worth supporting. So before you put your wallet away, take a moment to review the following. I hope you’ll consider making a contribution.
Photo from the High Fives Foundation
High Fives Foundation: Dedicated to raising money and awareness for athletes that have suffered a life-altering injury while pursuing their dream in the winter action sports community.
SheJumps: Works to increase the participation of women and girls in outdoor activities. This is done through high-visibility Get the Girls Out events, outdoor education, youth initiatives and grassroots recreational gatherings.
SkiDucks: Dedicated to enriching the lives of disadvantaged and financially underprivileged children by teaching and sharing the joys of skiing and snowboarding. I wrote about SkiDucks here.
Kelly Brush Foundation: Dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals living with spinal cord injuries (SCI) by purchasing adaptive athletic equipment for those with financial limitations; advocates for improved ski racing safety; supports research to treat and cure paralysis due to SCI. For my interview with Kelly, go here.
Disabled Sports USA: Provides adaptive sports opportunities for people with disabilities to help them develop independence, confidence, and fitness.
American Blind Skiing Foundation: Provides blind children and adults with opportunities to build confidence and independence through skiing.
Protect Our Winters: Dedicated to uniting and actively engaging the global snow sports community to lead the fight against climate change.
Clean Water Carbon Fund: Fights climate change and protects clean water by planting trees along streams and rivers.
Special Olympics: Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Challenged Athletes Foundation: Provides opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics.
National Sports Center for the Disabled: Facilitates sporting events for the physically disabled.
Outdoor Women’s Alliance: Engages, educates, and empowers females worldwide through activities that require human-powered initiative in spaces away from city limits.
Hi
Just thought I’d let you know about adaptiveskiing.net, run by disabled skiers for disabled skiers.
Have a great week.
And pray for snow!!
Thanks, Kimberley! A great addition!
And, don’t forget the organization of which I am the Executive Director, Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation. We were founded in 1982 and we provide equipment and instruction free of charge. With the generous support of Sunday River and Sugarloaf, who provide our volunteers and participants with free lift access, and Pineland Farms and the Bethel Inn, that do the same for Nordic skiing, we do winter ski and snowboard lessons 6 days each week. We also have an adaptive alpine race team that has helped train 2 Paralympians. We do summer programs, as well!
Barbara aka backcountrygirl
Great addition, Barbara! Thanks for sharing it!
Thank you, Wendy! Hope your season is off to a great start. It is
wonderfully snowy here in Maine.
Here in Canterbury NZ we have Disabled Snowsports Canterbury who do an amazing job providing access to snowsports to those who otherwise wouldnt have a chance of experiencing something that we all cherish and love. The volunteers really are the most marvellous humble people and deserve our appreciation.Thanks for posting this as a reminder of what really matters at Xmas(or any other time of the year)
Thanks for reminding us that great work like this goes on not just in the US,
but all over the world. The volunteers everywhere deserve our appreciation — and
support.