A local charity has been “blown away” by support from the community following a spate of break-ins last month.
Bike Hub Nelson suffered four break-ins or attempts over a five-week period with the most recent forcing its closure last week.
The Saxton Field organisation, which refurbishes and redistributes bikes to those who need them, suffered five break-ins or attempted break-ins over a five-week period, with the most recent early on a Sunday morning leaving tools stolen and entry points damaged.
Coordinator Rachael Gray says volunteers were still discovering missing items when Waimea Weekly visited last week.
After reading about the hub’s plight, Nelson Alarms managing director Adrian Laing reached out to help.
“I thought he was coming down to organise a quote for us to get an alarm installed, but when he arrived, he said he was providing us the whole set up free of charge.”
The monitored alarm system, valued at $3000, was installed this week and includes an immediate alert to both staff and the security company, plus what’s described as a “super duper loud” siren.
Adrian says he was impressed by the scope of the hub’s community work.
“I think the bike hub does such a great job for the community. I knew they gave to the community a provide this service, but I really didn’t know too much about it.
“I didn’t quite realise how much extra that these guys did, it’s not just about bikes. From giving refugees transport to people who have confidence issues and even dropping bikes off, so really encompassing.
“If it wasn’t here it could leave a big gap.”
Adrian and his team carried out a full site assessment before installing the system.
“We definitely wanted to come to the party with a full package for them.”
Other local businesses have stepped up too, including Dean Lancaster and Alice Badcock who own Stoke Motors.
Dean volunteers at Bike Hub once a week, fixing bikes along with transporting them to their new homes and “whatever they need done”.
“I approached Repco Motueka and Napa Auto Parts and they’ve come on board and we donated too. We can’t get bikes fixed and out without the tools.”
Tool Shed are providing brand-new tools and Award Movers and Upshift have also put forward offers of support.
“It’s just been overwhelming, we’ve had people contact us and say ‘let me know what you need help with’, Rachael says. “We’ve had a builder offer to come in and fix anything that was damaged, we’ve had members of the public very generously donating money.
“We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed but the kindness and support from people and the business community.”
