Beer Gives Back: Raleigh Brewing Company Champions Can'd Aid Bike Build Event for Local Company's 20th Anniversary

Great beer brings folks together, and Raleigh Brewing Company is taking that spirit of connection to the next level through hands-on community engagement. The brewery recently helped local company Lenovo celebrate its 20th anniversary in North Carolina in style with a bike build event in partnership with national nonprofit Can'd Aid, during which they built dozens of bicycles for donation to local kids.

The dream team of Raleigh Brewing Company (RBC), Can'd Aid, and Lenovo kicked off festivities at RBC in late September, with Raleigh Brewing Company's release of give-back beer Lenovo's Love on Lager, and a portion of proceeds from the special beer was donated to support Can'd Aid's mission. On Sept. 26, Can'd Aid and Lenovo hosted their Love on Month of Service bike build event at RBC, inviting Lenovo employees into the brewery to help get kids outside and active. While the bike build was sponsored by Lenovo, RBC donated 10% of total sales from the day of the bike build to Can'd Aid.

"We had a blast partnering with Can'd Aid and Lenovo for the Love on Month of Service," said Cat Pearce, Events Coordinator at Raleigh Brewing Company. "Can'd Aid provided everything we needed for the bike build. And Lenovo's philanthropic business model made it happen for our community."

Since 2013, Can'd Aid has partnered with craft breweries to host builds, donating more than 20,000 bikes and skateboards to kids nationwide. Through Can'd Aid's turn-key events, breweries rally local volunteers to participate in bike building, where they are tasked with assembling Can'd Aid's signature kid-sized, cherry red bikes or skateboards. Completed bikes or skateboards are then donated to children in high-need schools—giving them the tools and resources they need to explore their world on wheels!

"Raleigh Brewing Company reached out and proactively connected us with Lenovo, and it was a perfect fit. It's a joy to work with like-minded partners and communities that come together to create opportunities for people to give back. Breweries across the country who want to get involved similarly can seek out partners like Lenovo, who intentionally create space for community wellness in their business model," said Diana Hicks, Founder and Executive Director of Can'd Aid.

Lenovo is a global technology powerhouse focused on delivering "smarter technology for all." Their Love on Month of Service encourages employees to volunteer around the world—a mission that aligns perfectly with Can'd Aid's dedication to creating a ripple effect of goodness.

Similarly, RBC has a strong connection to the local cycling community and is dedicated to giving back. "Our mission has always been to embrace the City of Oaks with every brew, so we are consistently looking for opportunities, like this one, to make a positive local impact," said Kristie Nystedt, Founder and President of Raleigh Brewing Company. "Making connections and contributing to a more vibrant Raleigh, that's what it's all about."

You can give the gifts of new bikes and skateboards to underserved kids in your community. Want to make memories with your guests and make a difference in the lives of local kids? Host a Can'd Aid bike or skateboard build!

About Can'd Aid

Can'd Aid is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating a ripple effect of goodness. Their people-powered programs provide tools and access for under-resourced communities to lead healthy, active, and creative lives. Since its inception in 2013, over 12,800 bikes, 8,900 skateboards and more than 4,100 new instruments have been donated to kids in underserved communities nationwide. Can'd Aid's Crush It Crusade program also works to strengthen recycling initiatives nationwide in partnership with Ball Foundation. With the help of thousands of generous volunteers, Can'd Aid is building a movement and model for innovative, responsive and connected community engagement. To donate, volunteer or learn more, visit the link below.