PORTLAND, Maine — In Portland, a nonprofit bike shop is not only fixing gears but also changing lives.
The Portland Gear Hub has become a beacon of hope, providing nearly 1,000 free bikes and outdoor gear repairs to those in need.
In a community where cycling is not just a pastime but a way of life, this organization is making a significant impact, one pedal at a time.
"I've always loved bicycles," Mark LaFond, a volunteer at the Portland Gear Hub, said. "I've been an avid bicyclist my whole life."
LaFond moved to Portland a year ago and decided to channel his love for bikes into something meaningful. Volunteering at the Gear Hub, he discovered a deeply rewarding experience.
"A bike is so important in somebody's life who has no means of transportation. It can literally be a life-changer," LaFond said.
The Gear Hub's program, "Bikes for All Mainers," is a testament to their commitment to the community.
This program has provided bikes at no cost to people in need, with 80 percent of participants being new Mainers. It's more than just a bike. For many, it's a lifeline.
"Everything that we're doing is recycling gear that gets donated to us and providing it at affordable prices for resale or through free programs to kids, teens, and adults," Ainsley Judge, the director of Portland Gear Hub, explained.
Portland Gear Hub, powered by Ketcha Outdoors, began its journey in the basement of the YMCA a decade ago.
In 2017, they found their current location on Washington Avenue, and their impact grew exponentially.
Over the years, they've given away 1,000 free bikes and performed 15,000 repairs.
"Ninety percent of those have happened since we moved here to this location," Judge said.
Now the Gear Hub is at a crucial juncture. They have the opportunity to purchase their current building, which would secure it as a permanent home.
Just last week, they announced that they've raised 70 percent of the $1.5 million needed to make this location their forever home.
"This will secure our future in the Portland neighborhood, in this vibrant community, where biking is a way of life, a way to get to work," Laragh Kavanaugh, executive director of Ketcha Outdoors, said.
While numbers and fundraising goals are essential, the true essence of the Portland Gear Hub lies in the heartwarming moments it creates.
"I mean it almost makes you cry," LaFond said. "It's so heartwarming when a little kid can pick out their bike, get on it, and start riding around the parking lot. You melt."
The Portland Gear Hub has until Dec. 1, 2024, to raise the remaining funds needed to secure their building and ensure a lasting legacy.