Until recently, every morning before his 8:30 a.m. shift, Matt Cadwell would hop on his custom electric bike and ride to White Spot where he works as a dishwasher. Though the bike was always locked up, he would often go out and check on it multiple times during his shifts as he had saved his money for weeks to afford the $4,100 price tag.
But on Aug. 13, when Matt went out to check on his bike mid-shift, it was gone.
Matt has special needs and cannot drive a car, so this bike gave him some independence and a way to get around.
“I was angry,” said Matt. “It was a lot of money and I had to work a lot to [pay for it].”
Matt’s father, Mike Cadwell, had been out of town when the theft happened but was angry to find out someone had stolen from his son.
“It was pretty much his way of getting around - his transportation,” he said. “It’s pretty much what he relies on everyday. Some people rely on their vehicle and he relied on his bike.”
Mike’s friend, Michelle Hayes, started a GoFundMe campaign to replace Matt’s bike, and eleven days after the start of the campaign, they have reached their goal.
With over $2,000 raised on the GoFundMe page, Mike said people have reached out to him personally, wanting to donate and pushing them over their goal.
“This is all so overwhelming and it’s just really nice to hear that people are willing to step up and help a complete stranger,” said Mike. “It’s not the point that he has special needs, it’s just people helping people. It’s outstanding.”
Matt added that he was shocked to see how many people were donating.
“It’s so surprising to see that many people helping me,” he said. “It’s awesome.”
Matt plans to buy a new electric bike with the money from the GoFundMe campaign, but until then, he is riding a pedal bike, donated by a local resident.
“We’ll definitely get a stronger padlock and chain for the next one,” said Mike.
Anyone with information on the stolen bike is asked to contact the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321.