Skateboarding has saved thousands of lives from drugs, gangs, depression, abuse - you name it. I know plenty of you reading this can testify to that. I want to tell you about a way to give a little back, and to help other kids out the same way - the Doogood Conservatory. The Doogood Conservatory is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to provide free skateboards, surfboards and snowboarding packages to the under-privileged youth. Listen to what founder Ari Evan Gold says:
"At risk kids need an outlet. They don't listen, however, they need a mentor and Doogood gives them an opportunity to see if skateboarding, surfing or snowboarding are that silent mentor for them. Board sports give kids an incredible amount of self worth and accomplishment. Boarding keeps them busy, away from the couch, out of gangs and satiated at the end of the day. It gives a lot of these kids a reason to wake up the next day. Don't let them be left out, because their dad is in jail or their mom made some wrong choices."It's easy to give - they take Paypal, and you can get tax credit if you're looking for it. Check out the Doogood Conservatory website ( http://www.doogood.org/index.html) for more info. If you know of any other skateboarding - related charities, or anything like this, please post a comment and spread the word.
