This week's 7Everyday Hero runs a non-profit he describes as "a beloved ragamuffin project." But Ernie Clark's Second Chance Bicycle Shop is changing lives.
"If we can get a kid a bike, and get them off the streets, who knows what's going to happen to this kid," said Clark.
Clark has given away more than 4,000 bicycles. He and a friend started the non-profit in Aurora 12 years ago. All day, five days a week, Clark and his team of volunteers fix-up used bicycles to give away.
"'Man, you're crazy, you don't get paid for this? You don't make no money on this?', people say. And I go: 'Yeah but I see the faces, the kid's faces,'" said Clark.
Clark works on a lot of kids bikes, but he helps adults who need a bicycle, too.
"He donated 22 bikes within 45 days, since I reached out to him. All of them for homeless, disabled and transitioning veterans," said Tony Medina, veterans employment specialist, Colorado Dept. of Labor.
"I got a Specialized Rock Hopper," said veteran Edward Trujillo.
Trujillo served his country in the U.S. Army for four years. Today, one of Clark's bikes is helping him find a new job.
"Well, yesterday I used it for an interview. It cut my time down by 20 or 30 minutes," said Trujillo.
Ernie Clark's Second Chance Bicycle Shop is improving lives.
"I have a lot of confidence now, especially from where I came to where I am now. I have a lot of confidence that i can obtain the goals that I am seeking and I can get there on time now," said Trujillo.
"If we can give them a bike, just to make them happy, who knows what happens," said Clark.
To learn more about Clark's efforts, visit the Second Chance Bicycle Shop on Facebook.
Mitch Jelniker anchors 7NEWS Now in the mornings from 4:30 to 7 a.m. He also features a different 7Everyday Hero each week on 7NEWS. Follow Mitch on Facebook and Twitter. Nominate a 7Everyday Hero here.
