The Generosity of Snowboarders

I'm the first to admit that snowboarders sometimes get a bum rap. It's still all too common to hear words like "punk" or "rebel" thrown around when describing us, but those descriptions are wrong. The snowboarding community is a kind and generous community, and nothing proves that more than the charitable works of snowboarders across the country.

Burton Snowboards' Chill program uses board sports to help kids accomplish goals they never thought they could while teaching them some of the most important lessons of life - patience, persistence, responsibility, courage, integrity, and pride-all through positive adult role models who treat them with respect and encouragement. A volunteer teaches every single lesson. How's that for generosity?

Whereas Chill caters to large numbers of riders, The Ross Powers Foundation caters to the individual. Since 2001, Olympic Gold Medalist Ross Powers has been committed to leveling the playing field and encouraging the growth of world-class athletes from around the U.S. by offering financial assistance to promising athletes in need. Ross donates 100% of the proceeds from his annual Ross Powers Snowboard Camp to his foundation. Hey, look! The supposed rebel does have a cause!

These are just a few examples of the generosity of the snowboarding community. Next year, consider volunteering some of your time or money. Together, we can make a difference.