Minot, N.D. – This winter, the Minot community embraced outdoor activity and connection as hundreds of residents took to the ice at Citizens Alley. Through a partnership between Local Motives and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation, free ice skate rentals were offered during select days in late December and early January, helping remove cost barriers and encourage winter wellness in the heart of downtown Minot.
The initiative resulted in nearly 500 free skate rentals over eight days, with strong participation from families, friend groups and first-time skaters. Community response exceeded expectations, with an original goal of 400 participants.
Through funding provided by the Caring Foundation, Citizens Alley was able to offer skate rentals at no cost during public skating hours from December 26 through January 4. The effort supported the foundation’s mission to promote healthy, active lifestyles and expand access to community-based recreation during the winter months.
“Winter can be a challenging time to stay active and stay connected, which is why partnerships like this matter,” said Amber Blomberg, executive director of the BCBSND Caring Foundation. “By working alongside local organizations, like Local Motives, we’re helping create spaces where people can get moving, spend time together and connect with their community during the colder months.”
“What I loved most about this partnership was watching people show up - some stepping onto the ice for the very first time - and realizing this space belonged to them,” said Jessica Ackerman, executive director of Local Motives. “The holidays can be joyful but financially heavy for families, and BCBS of ND Caring Foundation helped remove that barrier so people could come downtown, move their bodies outdoors, and be together. This partnership didn’t just provide free skate rentals - it created shared moments, strengthened community spirit, and showed how accessible recreation can bring people together in meaningful ways."
The partnership also introduced many new visitors to Citizens Alley, strengthening awareness of the rink as a year-round community gathering place. Families and friend groups filled the space throughout the holiday break, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere that supported both physical activity and social connection.
This was part of a broader statewide Winter Wellness on Ice initiative. The Caring Foundation also supported free skate rental partnerships in Devils Lake, Dickinson, Jamestown and Williston, helping communities across North Dakota embrace winter recreation.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation
Established in 1989, the BCBSND Caring Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Through giving and investing, the Caring Foundation focuses on key health issues that help improve the health and well being of North Dakotans and their communities. Caring Foundation staff work with grantees to support nonprofit sustainability, collaborate on shared outcomes, and create lasting change.
