SHELBURNE, Vt. (WCAX) – Players from the Sugarbush Polo Club competed on the pitch Sunday, with a different goal in mind– to raise money and awareness through a benefit match for Prevent Child Abuse Vermont.
Linda Johnson, the executive director for the nonprofit, says during the pandemic, services were crucial.
“In the first three months of the pandemic, our helpline calls doubled. They have calmed down a bit, but the acuity, the stress level of the calls has not gone down,” Johnson said.
Johnson says the fundraiser helps to provide things like parent education courses and various support programs.
“A phone call that we receive, that’s a $25 bit of work. A year-long support group, that’s $2,000 to $3,000. An event like this can support a support group for that length of time and serve 10 to 15 families who are really in a tough spot,” Johnson said.
Players from all over the state participated in the match. Caleb Kingsbury and Club President Seth Gardner say it’s all about giving back to the community.
“It’s really meaningful to have all of these people come out just to help support a great cause,” Kingsbury said. “It’s a nice day for it, nice and cool and it’s not raining. So, it’s great.”
“We all like to do something for the general good,” Gardner said. “That’s a perception of polo that we like to change. It’s not just about us.”
More than $1,000 was raised through the event.