How does Mehl fund his community-focused bicycle repair initiative?

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Mehl funds his free bicycle repair shop through a mix of his own savings and ongoing public donations and sponsorships
Philip Mehl, a former corporate executive, set up his Balestier bicycle repair shop using his own savings. He does not charge customers for labour, and he keeps the workshop running through public support, including small donations left by visitors and residents who drop off cash or sponsor repairs for others. Mehl says every contribution is used to help someone else who comes to the shop.
He used his savings to start the shop and keep repairs labour-free
Mehl, 56, said he used his savings to set up the bicycle repair workshop in Balestier. He spends five days a week at the shop, servicing dozens of bicycles daily without charging for labour, while keeping records of each repair and part used.
The workshop continues through donations and sponsorship from local residents
Public support is what keeps the workshop going, with residents sometimes dropping off cash. Some residents also offer to sponsor repairs for other people, turning the shop into a community-backed service rather than a standard paid repair business.
Visitors often leave small donations even when no payment is requested
Although Mehl tells visitors they owe nothing, many still leave small donations to support the effort. This pattern of voluntary giving helps maintain the initiative as he continues providing free fixes to migrant workers, seniors, and young riders.
Contributions are directed to help other customers who come in
Mehl stated that every contribution is used to help someone else who walks through the door. In addition, he refurbishes donated bicycles and passes them to community groups, with more than 700 bicycles given to organisations including ItsRainingRaincoats, The Salvation Army, and the Migrant Workers’ Centre.

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How does Mehl fund his community-focused bicycle repair initiative?

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