Ally Henderson, Program Coordinator at Kickstand, is passionate about creating tangible change in East Vancouver. Through her leadership, Kickstand has grown into a vital resource for community members, offering accessible cycling solutions and empowering individuals with mechanical knowledge. Here, Ally shares insights into the organization’s mission, challenges, and vision for the future.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Kickstand is an all-volunteer-run community cycling and recycling resource centre located in the heart of East Vancouver. Our mission is to promote the bicycle as a tool for empowerment, education, neighbourhood cohesion, environmental conservation, and active transportation. We provide a welcoming, low-barrier, drop-in workspace where affordable bicycles and tools to maintain and repair bicycles are available to the community for a sliding-scale donation.
What problem does it aim to solve?
There’s a few we’re working to solve:
1. We want to reduce the economic barriers that exist when it comes to owning and maintaining a bicycle. Many people cannot afford commercial bicycle repair services or new bicycles. Kickstand provides affordable bicycles and a sliding-scale donation system to ensure equitable access to cycling resources.
2. We want to increase access to bicycle mechanical knowledge. Repairing and maintaining a bike can be intimidating or inaccessible for those without technical skills or resources. Individuals may lack opportunities for hands-on learning and self-reliance. Kickstand volunteers empower shop users by teaching practical hands-on skills and fostering confidence in maintaining their own bicycles.
3. We’re working to reduce the environmental impact of transportation and waste. Kickstand addresses environmental challenges by promoting cycling as an eco-friendly mode of transportation and recycling discarded bicycles, reducing waste and conserving resources.
When did you start/join it?
4 years ago
What made you want to get involved?
I wanted to work with an organization that was actually creating tangible change in the community. I applied to work at Kickstand because it aligns with my passion for empowering communities and promoting sustainable, active transportation. I value the organization’s commitment to accessibility and environmental stewardship, and I’m inspired by its focus on fostering connections and skill-sharing in a welcoming, inclusive space. Being part of an initiative that encourages independence within the community and reduces barriers to transportation has been and still is deeply meaningful to me.
What was the situation like when you started?
The COVID lockdown had recently been lifted so the shop was relatively quiet. Our volunteer base was relatively small and the shop was only open for volunteers to work on their personal bikes. While we weren’t helping our community in the way we typically would through bike repair, we were able to pivot our operations to support the bigger need in the community, stopping the spread of COVID.
How has it changed since?
Our volunteer base is certainly a lot bigger now and the shop is open to the general public 5 days a week. We’ve introduced a recycling initiative that has seen us partner with over 7 commercial bike shops in our local area to divert their waste to build or repair bikes in our shop. We’re also engaging with more partners in our local area to build programs that support communities that are most in need of our services.
What more needs to be done?
I think Kickstand is already doing incredible work, but there’s always room to grow and as the cost of living continues to rise, we’re going to see more and more folks in the community needing to access our services. I think expanding outreach to underserved communities could help ensure that even more people have access to affordable bicycles and repair resources. Additionally, we like to develop more workshops or training programs to deepen community knowledge and empower people with technical skills. Strengthening partnerships with schools, youth programming, local businesses, or environmental groups could also amplify our impact and bring cycling to a broader audience.
How can our readers help?
You can help by applying to volunteer with us and donating your time or donating via the donation link on our website. Kickstand runs solely on grand funding and donations so the more financial help we receive, the more members of our community we can help.
Do you have any events coming up?
Our weekly DIY nights run every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5 pm-9 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm-5 pm. Our Women Transgender and Queer access-only nights run every Thursday from 6 pm-9 pm. Members from the public can drop by with their bikes and our helpful volunteers will gladly help them out and show them around the space.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
The Aboriginal Mothers Center Society. We’ve been partnering with them for the last 2 years and they’re doing amazing things for Aboriginal mothers and their children, who are facing homelessness.
