Hackerspaces are essentially maker clubs that offer individuals access to industrial equipment for personal projects, typically using some sort of monthly fee structure. Really, it's a great solution for people who want to tinker and invent without having to invest the time and effort to install a CNC in the garage.
Sector67 has been a popular, non-profit hackerspace in Madison, WI since it opened in 2010.
The community is currently in the midst of moving into a newer, larger facility that will help it improve the available technology and equipment as well as provide a better environment for its members.
On September 20th, 2017, Chris Meyer, Sector67's founder, was seriously injured in a freak accident while working on construction of the new hackerspace. Meyer was working at the new facility, reportedly for up to 18 hours a day at the site, when he was injured in a small propane explosion.
According to initial reports, a beam fell and ruptured a propane gas tank.
Meyer now finds himself with an extremely long road to recovery with skin grafts on arms and burns to his head, face, and legs.
Sector67 and Chris are looking for help, and the community has so far rallied around them. A GoFundMe campaign was set up to help raise additional funds to make sure the project was completed, and as of Friday, more than 700 people have helped raise more than $97,000 - which is still about $83,000 short of the funds required to finish the new building project.
The funds will go towards filling some of the holes left in Meyer's absence, such as engineering expertise, manual labor, and day-to-day oversight. People can also volunteer time and talent if you find yourself close to Wisconsin's capital.
Link to the GoFundMe campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/HelpSector67.
This is IEN Now with David Mantey.
