Repair Café

Toss it Away – No Way

The Woodworkers Club initiated the idea of the Repair Café.

We live in a “throw away society” where if something quits working, we toss it and buy a new one. This mindset is counter-productive to a “GREEN” environment and is hard on the pocket book.

For example – what do you do with a toaster that no longer works or a shirt with a loose button. You don’t throw them out, you come to the Repair Café . 

Repair Café is about: a) Repairing things together b) Receiving expert advice c) Meeting each other and being inspired d) People helping people e) Learning from one another and f) Having fun.

The Repairs were not intended to displace work that you might get done by Ace Hardware or professional tradesmen. 

The first Repair Café was held under the leadership of Murray Knights on February 8, 2015.

20 volunteers staffed the following work stations: a) Electrical, small appliances b) Woodwork, small furniture c) Ceramics and pottery d) Jewellery e) Sewing, mending e) Computer/iPad f) Bicycles g) Refreshments.

A total of 46 items where brought to the Café for repair or advice of which 30 were resolved to the customer’s satisfaction. 12 others were addressed by providing recommendations to the owners regarding their item and the remaining 4 items could not be repaired during the session.

Feedback from customers and workers was very positive and we are planning to make improvements for an even better Repair Café next year.

If you would like more info, have ideas or would like to help please call Murray or Barb Knights at 391-6258 or  [email protected]

Here are some pictures of the happy throng.