Nelly recently teamed up with Raising Cane’s to bring holiday cheer to his hometown of St. Louis. Along with Ashanti, the couple donaed 100 brand-new bicycles and helmets to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis.
The surprise giveaway took place on December 22, 2024, during the annual holiday party at the Adams Park location. The gym was transformed into a festive display of red-ribboned bikes. At the event, families were treated to holiday cookies, drinks, and Santa hats.
For the couple, giving back was a deeply personal gesture for them. Ashanti is a former Boys & Girls Club member herself. Nelly thanked the organization and Raising Cane’s founder, Todd Graves, for the opportunity to give back to the community that raised him.
“I think that’s every kid’s dream on Christmas, right? That’s what you dream about, right?” Nelly said. “Waking up, going down there, and I know what it’s like to wake up on Christmas and nothing is under the tree. That’s not hyperbole. That’s facts. To see their faces again, I think that’s what it’s about. Christmas is about the kids.”
“It’s just beautiful to see all the kids and all the excitement,” Ashanti added.
“For us, it’s always important that we give our young people experiences. We want to help them with mentorship,” Brandon Williams, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis. “Whether it’s career readiness, workforce development. Having experiences like this where they can have a joyous occasion, so they can understand somebody cares about them. ”
During the event, Nelly and Ashanti helped to pass out bikes and take photos with kids. They also held a press conference style interview where they discussed what it means to give back to the community.
This event was part of a larger national initiative by Raising Cane’s. More than 2,500 bicycles across 25 cities during the holiday season to support local youth and encourage healthy, active lifestyles.
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