Program aids local businesses, addresses food insecurity
Killington Resort announced Monday, June 8, a newly launched employee and community-centric philanthropic platform called Play It Forward designed to support the local community during Covid-19 and beyond. As part of Killington Resort’s Play Forever corporate responsibility commitment to protecting the environment and enabling participation, Play It Forward engages charitable giving through partnerships with local community foundations.
“As part of the fabric of this community, we have a responsibility to support those who work, live and play here,” said Mike Solimano, president and general manager of Killington Resort and Pico Mountain. “We want to ensure our community comes out of these tough times stronger and Play It Forward will not only help strengthen the local community as we navigate the coronavirus pandemic, but we hope that it will inspire others to follow our lead.”
Play It Forward’s first step is focused on helping to alleviate the impact of Covid-19, an effort anyone can contribute to through volunteering, carrying out small acts of kindness, providing items in need, and donating to Killington’s Play It Forward Fund. Set up in partnership with the Vermont Community Foundation, Killington’s Play It Forward Fund was established to provide funding in support of our community successfully navigating challenging times and continuing to thrive for generations to come.
Killington Resort’s Play It Forward Fund was established with a $350,000 gift from the Cumming Foundation, and John and David Cumming. Powdr, an adventure lifestyle company founded by John Cumming, owns Killington and Pico and implemented Play It Forward funds at each of its mountain resorts across North America. The family and foundation’s gifts, totaling $2.25 million across the funds, are in support of Powdr businesses helping their local communities in this tremendous time of need and beyond.
Killington’s plan for allocating
Play It Forward fund dollars:
$130,000 to benefit economic relief in the Killington community
Businesses in the town of Killington that have felt the economic impacts of the pandemic can begin applying to a newly created business relief fund in mid-June.
$100,000 to Killington region food insecurity programs
In mid-March, Killington donated food from the resort’s kitchens to employees and ambassadors. Since then, Killington has fed staff and the community through additional food giveaways in partnership with the town of Killington and Castleton University with plans to continue supporting monthly food donations and expand on food insecurity programs in the future.
The most recent grocery giveaway was held Tuesday, June 9.
Remaining funds will be allocated to local non-profits with a focus on building a stronger community. Information on how to apply will be forthcoming.
For more information visit killington.com/culture/play-forever/play-it-forward.
