Since the beginning of 2020, Paying It Forward has been making a remarkable impact on the lives of Big Island families and children in need. Paying It Forward (PIF) is an organization, founded by Kailua-Kona’s Franz Weber, that serves as a bridge between various community organizations and nonprofits in West Hawaii to help those who need the most support.
Some of the assistance provided by PIF over the last few years include Chrome Books for foster children to continue distance learning during COVID-19; donating over 100-pairs of varying new footwear like basketball shoes, running shoes, track shoes and slippers to students of Kealakehe Elementary, Kahakai Elementary and Honaunau Elementary Schools; and providing nutritious snack items for children of the Kahaluu Housing Project.
Recently, the word has spread that Weber — a longtime community advocate, volunteer extraordinare and avid cyclist who averages 9,500 miles a year on his bicycle — has extended the organization’s outreach by accepting bike donations from around the Big Island, which are then passed on to children from the Marshallese community and homeless, offering them a convenient mode of transport to school and work. The newest PIF program is called Bike Aid.
“Helping others may give them a glimmer of hope,” Weber said. “That is how you change a community — the world — one person, one act of kindness at a time.”
As Weber’s heartwarming Bike Aid initiative gained momentum, the response has been more than just positive — it caught the attention of community organizations, leading to generous donations of adult bikes as well. Some bikes came from visitors who purchased them during their stay and no longer required them, while others were donated by families who relocated to the mainland.
The impact of PIF’s Bike Aid efforts has been especially touching in several instances like when two donated tricycles found their way to siblings in Ocean View. Both children had physical disabilities and autism, and these tricycles provided them with the joy of moving around outdoors, offering them an entirely new experience.
Another significant development occurred in 2022 when the Hawaii Police Department in Hilo cleared their evidence locker, uncovering around 16 bikes that were still in usable and salvageable condition. PIF wasted no time in ensuring that these bikes were put to good use, further bolstering their mission of aiding those in need.
And then a groundbreaking partnership with the HOPE Services Hawaii in Kona was forged where bikes were provided to homeless individuals if they secured employment. These donated bikes became a game changer as it served as vital means of transportation to jobs, making it possible for them to take up employment opportunities they might have otherwise missed.
But it’s the inspiring success story of Douglas “Dougie,” a homeless individual who bravely battled partial paralysis following a challenging spinal operation in the upper spine and neck region, that has touched many. Thanks to a bike provided through Bike Aid, Dougie’s remarkable journey would come full circle as he has been able to regain mobility and uses the bike as part of his rehabilitation program. In addition, the donated bike which was repaired using the Bike Aid’s account funds has empowered him to walk again, liberating him from the confines of a wheelchair.
“Yes, there are different opinions about homeless with their attitude and behavior,” Weber said. “From my personal experience — interactions on the road, at the Hope Center, and other places — everyone has been courteous, humble, respectful, and appreciative. There may be a minority with the homeless that creates a different perception. What I find is that they are humans with challenges, but most of all, still humans with feelings, character and respect.”
With a keen eye for improving mobility and safety for those in need, Weber observed that many of the bikes used by the homeless were in disrepair and posed safety risks. In response, he initiated a Bike Aid account at Bike Works Kona, which funds repairs and purchases necessary parts for the bikes. Bike Works offers their services, charging nothing or only minimal fees for labor.
The ultimate goal of Paying It Forward’s Bike Aid is to ensure that every person, regardless of their financial circumstances, has a safe and reliable means of transportation. The organization has accomplished a remarkable feat since its inception, having gifted a total of 65 bikes to those in need, with over half of them benefiting children. Moreover, PIF has purchased and replaced more than 20 tires, 25 tubes, and various other bike parts.
Paying It Forward’s unwavering commitment to positively impact lives through Bike Aid is truly commendable and it’s a testament to the power of compassion and community support in making the world a better place for everyone. As the organization continues to spread its wings, one can only imagine the countless lives it will continue to touch in the future.
“I always say people are good, just give them a chance,” Weber said. “Helping others is what makes us human.”
For more information or to donate to Paying It Forward visit the PIF website at https://fim20209.wixsite.com/pif-wh or check out Weber’s Facebook page, Paying It Forward — West Hawaii. While PIF is not a 501(c)(3), it is a nonprofit registered through the state.