By Brooke Geery
Burton Snowboards, based in Burlington, has announced a program to support shops during the challenges of Covid-19, by encouraging customers to stop by and enter to win a professional snowboarder’s personal equipment.
George Carpenter, son of Burton founder Jake Burton Carpenter and Donna Carpenter, explained in a letter:
“When Covid hit, our family knew that Burton would have to work hard to support our people, and we’re excited to roll out a new way for us to support the global snowboard community.
“Our first step of action was to unite our team in a message about staying at home. Next, we were all concerned about the lack of medical equipment and support for our front-line medical workers. My mom and the folks at Burton quickly mobilized our teams and supply chain to create 500,000 KN95 masks, 6,600 face shield brims, and 21,000 shields, and supported Goggles for Docs where we donated 1,600 pairs of goggles, while encouraging our community to join in by donating their own. Everyone’s ability to pivot so quickly, donate so many necessary items, and truly make a difference was incredibly inspiring.
“Taylor [Carpenter] and I knew that our snowboarding community was going to need help in order to survive. We mobilized and called our friends in the industry: snowboard shop employees, photographers and filmers, amateur and pro snowboarders, and people who live in mountain towns. We asked, ‘How can Burton help right now?’”
As a result, the company is sending 24 of its pro riders’ personal boards to 24 shops around the world. Locally, the recipient is Darkside Snowboards, located at 1842 Killington Road.
“We are really proud to make this happen,” Carpenter wrote. “And in case you can’t get one, we’ll also be giving each shop one to hang on their walls to make it a part of your scene.”
The Darkside is scheduled to receive a Pow Wrench ridden by Connecticut native Julia Marino around Feb. 1. To enter the raffle customers will need to scan a QR code located in the shop before March 1.
Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of snowboard history.
