Yelp Helps in Maine

Is there anything better than summer in Maine? Yes! And that’s volunteer work outside in the sunshine by the ocean. Each month, #YelpHelps connects users of Yelp with local non-profits for a day of education and hands-on community service. Throughout the years we’ve traveled all over Maine; this past season we got our hands dirty at coastal spots doing good and feeling good because of it.

In July, #YelpHelps worked with Maine Island Trail Association – an organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the wild islands of coastal Maine. We took a couple skiffs out to Little Chebeague Island to attack the invasive plants that are preventing the island’s natural plants from surviving. While it was incredibly hot, it was incredibly rewarding to help make the trails more accessible for future use. Check out the reviews and photos here.

Pao T: “Greeted with hospitality and motivated to get to work, I met up with the other fellow Elite crowd of yelpers… it was a great experience full consisting of a good workout.”

In August we had the great pleasure of taking the Joseph S Kennedy, a UB85, courtesy of Portland Harbor Fleet, to Fort Gorges located literally in the middle of Casco Bay.  The former military fort, built in the mid-nineteenth century, is now a park and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The Friends of Fort Gorges gave us a private tour of the beautiful structure before we helped with just some of the constant upkeep the location needs. Check out the reviews and photos here!

Russell W: “The Fort has some of the coolest views from the very top. I’ve traveled extensively all over the country  visiting every landmark and historical site you can imagine. And I felt like I was living on the edge exploring this Fort…”

We ended our summer season of #YelpHelps with Cultivating Community, a local non-profit that, since 2001, has created and sustained greater access to locally grown produce. From garden-based education to farmer training programs and more, CC is helping healthy foods become more accessible. And we had the opportunity to help clean-up two of their urban farms in September. Reviews and photos can be found here!

Michelle L: “I’m such a fan of Cultivating Community (shout out to the Fresh Start Farms CSA!) that I suppose I’m really not unbiased enough to write this review, but it was really cool to get a chance to roll up my sleeves and get my hands dirty (literally) with an organization that I’ve previously admired from afar.”

If you’re looking for a fun way to give back to your community, join us! It’s a great way to meet new people, volunteer, and spread the love. #YelpHelps is open to ANYBODY with a Yelp account – all you have to do is RSVP!

Thanks to this year’s sponsors:
Cabot • Simply 7 Snacks

For more information on our amazing non-profits:
Maine Island Trail Association • Fort Gorges • Cultivating Community

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