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Yelp Helps in Maine



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#YelpHelps here in Maine is a year long series where we come together to volunteer once a month at a local non-profit. We learn about who they are and what they do before we spend a few hours helping them in whatever way they need. We are proud to be a community that not only supports its local economy, but one that selflessly supports each other in times of need, too. It's a beautiful thing to give back and pay it forward.
 
 
 
TrailsOur summer season of #YelpHelps started at Portland Trails. Since 1991, they've been dedicated to creating a network of trails (of which they currently have over 80-miles of) throughout greater Portland that's available for everyone to use free of charge. We were brought to Fore River Sanctuary to help clean up around Jewell Falls, Portland's only natural waterfall. From raking to bridge repair to the now infamous/legendary "hobo camp clean-up", we definitely made a difference! Check out the reviews (and beautiful photos) here!
 
July - Portland Trails
Shane L: "How about a little manual labor for a great cause on a rainy Saturday morning?  Yes, please. At the end of the day, everyone was tired, dirty, and fulfilled after another great event run through #YelpHelps."
 
 
 
Fort
In August, we had the extremely rare and exclusive opportunity to explore, learn, and help the restoration efforts of Fort Gorges – a Civil War-era US military fort in the middle of Casco Bay. The Friends of Fort Gorges, an NPO dedicated to keeping the fort safe and accessible, brought us out on the UB Joseph S. Kennedy via Portland Harbor Fleet. After a morning of removing invasive species, we enjoyed Magic Hat while swimming at the fort's impeccable beach. You'll definitely want to relive this popular #YelpHelps here
 
August - Fort Gorges
Pao T: "Always being just out of reach, I was excited to finally get a chance to visit Fort Gorges, and I have to say: it was more than what I imagined! Being able to contribute, even as a small part, towards revitalizing this historical monument was really rewarding."
 
 
 
Habitat
We wrapped up our summer session appropriately on Labor Day Weekend with some manual labor for Habitat for Humanity build in Freeport.  In nearly three decades, Habitat here in Greater Portland has built nearly 70 homes, providing hundreds of people with stable, affordable housing. Though it was nearly 90 degrees out, we helped caulk and putty, and paint every door in the house twice in preparation of the family moving in just a couple weeks away. We enjoyed a bountiful lunch – including fried chicken sandwiches, bacon and turkey sandwiches, and grilled halloumi sandwiches along with potato and pasta salads and chocolate chip cookies – provided by our generous friends, Dutch's. Reviews and photos here!
 
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Cookie T: "I know it's been a good day of volunteering when my body is sore and I am still finding random speckles of paint on my elbows. Habitat for Humanity is one of these organizations I have always had a lot of respect for, but have never experienced first hand. It was great to be able to work on a house today, and help this get ready for a family to move into later this month."
 
 
We've been incredibly lucky to have mostly amazing weather (and infectiously positive attitudes the one time we didn't so far) as an end comes to our summer season of volunteerism. We're at nearly 400 hours of elbow grease, laughter, and giving back to our community and we would LOVE to have you join us at any of our upcoming #YelpHelps (all you gotta do is RSVP here). As Helen Keller said, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
 
 
Thanks to this season's sponsors:
Rosemont • North American Breweries/Portland Harbor Fleet • Dutch's
 
For more information on our amazing non-profits:
Portland Trails • Friends of Fort Gorges • Habitat for Humanity
 
Connect with us:
Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
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