helping more Maine kids get on the mountain
Winter in Maine is one of the most beautiful times of year. The forest trails are layered with snow, and the hills are lined with sledding tracks. For some, weekends are spent skiing down some of the most beautiful and picturesque mountains. But for many, winter activities like skiing and snowboarding are out of reach. That’s why The River Fund was founded: to help make these experiences possible for more families. The nonprofit believes skiing is about more than just time on the slopes. It’s a chance to build confidence and resilience, and to form a connection with the Maine outdoors.
So, from November through March, Izzy Lee’s is donating the proceeds from our Moose on Skis sweatshirt to The River Fund. To learn more about the program and how it’s helping more Maine families get outside during the colder months, we sat down with The River Fund’s Executive Director, Heidi Godomsky, who shared more about the work they do.
What inspired the creation of the River Fund, and what need were you hoping to address for kids and families in Maine?
The River Fund was created around the idea that kids in Western Maine should have opportunities to explore, learn, and discover what excites them. We have this incredible outdoor playground in our backyard, but living near a mountain, a river or a lake doesn’t automatically mean you get to enjoy it.
I wasn’t here at the inception of the River Fund, but its mission to provide access to recreation (and education) is a big part of what drew me to this work. Whether we’re helping a child get on skis or take that next step toward college or a trade program, we get to help open a door. The fun part is seeing where they go once it’s open!
Beyond learning to ski or snowboard, what do you hope kids gain from their time on the mountain?
Confidence—and a few good friends to share the chairlift with! There’s something pretty wonderful about a kid going from “There is absolutely no way I’m doing that” to “Can we do it again?” Sometimes that happens in the same afternoon.
As a former coach, I always loved watching those little breakthroughs. Kids learn to get back up, ask for help, cheer someone else on, and give something another try. I hope they leave the mountain feeling proud of themselves, bonded with other kids, connected to the outdoors and excited to come back for another run down the slopes. Having a reason to love winter in Maine is a pretty good bonus, too!
What are some of the biggest barriers that prevent kids from getting outside or participating in winter sports, and how does the River Fund help break those barriers down?
Skiing and snowboarding come with quite a checklist before you ever make your first turn: equipment, passes, warm clothing, transportation, and someone to help you figure it all out. For a family with financial barriers to the expense of a sport like skiing or snowboarding, even knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.
Through our Community Access Program (CAP) and our work with Sunday River Resort, The Maine Beer Company and the Sunday River Ski and Snowboard Club, we help make getting on the mountain possible for more local kids. Kids who qualify for CAP receive a free season’s pass and seasonal rental equipment.
We’re grateful to Heidi and the River Fund team for the work they do to make the Maine outdoors more accessible to local families. Their mission is an incredible reminder that sometimes all it takes is an opportunity to help a child discover something they love.
From November through March, every Moose on Skis sweatshirt purchased will help support the River Fund. Your support will make it possible for more kids to spend time on the mountain.