Donna & Jake Carpenter’s The Chill Foundation Expands Youth Development Programs To Europe

Founded by Donna Carpenter and Jake Burton Carpenter, The Chill Foundation is a non-profit organisation that uses boardsports to encourage, inspire and teach youngsters through its’ youth development programs. As of today, The Chill Foundation has extended its programs into Europe with Chill Europe.

Press Release:
The Chill Foundation Creates New Entity to Strengthen Its European Non-Profit Efforts

Today, The Chill Foundation (Chill) is proud to announce the official launch of its youth-development programs in Europe. This year marks Chill’s 25th Anniversary – when Donna Carpenter and her late husband Jake Burton Carpenter, owners of Burton Snowboards founded the non-profit organization in the United States. Now, with a dedicated European chapter, Chill is looking forward to increasing its support of European youth and enhancing existing programs throughout the continent.

European programs will now be modeled after Chill’s successful North American approach which embodies the latest Positive Youth Development best practices to ensure participating youth build resiliency through targeted lessons and challenging physical activities.

Chill’s mission is to inspire young people to overcome challenges through boardsports. Working with participants from marginalized communities, Chill leverages the excitement and unique experience of boardsports, while incorporating life-lessons that promote personal growth and supportive community for those struggling with the negative circumstances that are holding them back.

After a quarter century of serving more than 25,000 young people, Chill Global is poised to expand Chill Europe’s presence across the region. Having a smaller, less formalized footprint in Europe over the past 13 years, the non-profit is excited to launch a formal organization, based in Zurich. Within the next 12 months, Chill Europe will run pilot programs in Austria, Germany, Sweden, and its new home base Switzerland, while navigating the restrictions and constraints presented by Covid-19. Existing programs in Czech Republic, and Italy will be reviewed and relaunched as well.

“I’m beyond excited to see Chill formally becoming a global organization with operations here in Europe. Over here, a vast number of youth are facing incredible challenges including but not limited to displacement and lack of integration,” says Chris Patsch, Director of Integrated Marketing at Burton Europe. “Through its unique approach, Chill offers a real and sustainable entry to the sport we all love, while teaching important life skills along the way. I strongly believe supporting Chill is the most authentic way for Burton to act on our purpose while inviting members of our community to join the cause.”

Chill Europe’s goal is to run at least one boardsport (snow, skate, surf, paddleboard) program in every European city where Chill has achieved non-profit incorporation by the end of 2021. The incorporation of additional Chill Europe locations is also under consideration. Chill programs should eventually be ubiquitous across Europe, providing positive youth development programs to youth facing challenges across the continent.

Oliver Zaletel, Managing Director at Burton Europe, is excited to see the European Chill chapter evolving. “Having a formal Chill organization in Europe is a huge step and I’m very excited to see it come to life,” Zaletel says “While smaller Chill programs were executed in our region before, now is the first time Chill can really follow up with kids that take part in a proper, long-term program. Chill empowers youth from all backgrounds through boardsports and fosters a culture of learning and personal development. Burton is proud to be a long-time supporter of Chill’s social engagement.”

Go to www.chill.org/europe to find out more and learn about ways to support the organization by donating or volunteering.