Since Longmont’s Can’d Aid was founded in 2013, more than 2 million cans of water have been distributed, over 9,600 skateboards and bikes and 4,000 art kits built for underserved youth, and more than 3,000 instruments donated. This has been accomplished with the help of volunteers nationwide and through relationships with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and corporate partners.
Inspiring an Inclusive Park
In 2021, Can’d Aid partnered with a Colorado-based company to build and distribute bicycles and skateboards for youth in the area. One employee, Lauren Bowling, was determined to continue the mission to provide healthy outlets for all children. One of Lauren’s three children has cerebral palsy and is dependent on a wheelchair for mobility, so she brought the idea for the Berthoud Adaptive Park Project now underway to the Can’d Aid team.
Celebrating the Arts
Can’d Aid also provides an opportunity for groups and individuals to share their love of the arts and to foster creativity and joy. The nonprofit creates community murals and facilitates instrument donations to support music programs in underserved school districts. On the day of the donations, award-winning professional musicians visit classrooms, share their experiences, provide hands-on musical interaction, and introduce students to new genres of music.
