THUNDER BAY— The Underground Gym and Youth Centre is looking for the community's support to fund repairs needed for the ‘Cool Bus’ to get back on the road.
When Peter Panetta, owner of the gym, smelled gas on the bus and saw a leak from the undercarriage, he said it was time for repairs.
“Without the bus, there is no youth centre,” he said.
The bus was donated to the not-for-profit organization by Iron Range in 2022, and has become an important symbol of opportunity and inclusion for many children and teens in the area.
The aging vehicle now requires significant maintenance, and the cost of repairs exceeds what the Underground Gym can afford on its own.
The gym is now asking for community support through a GoFundMe page set up by Panetta's daughter.
As of Saturday morning more than $3,600 was raised. The total amount needed for the repairs is $8,000.
"I’m confident that Thunder Bay will support this,” he said.
Panetta said the major repairs are unlike ever before, without Iron Range covering the cost of labour, the $8,000 gas tank would have been out of the question.
The bus is used four days a week and also for outings on the weekend.
More than 40 children remain hopeful, asking when their bus will return, said Panetta.
Community members interested in supporting The Underground Gym can find information here.
