Do you have a household item in need of repair, don’t want to toss it out, but stumped on how to fix it? That toaster that just won’t toast?  A lamp in need of re-wiring?  The old bicycle sitting neglected with a flat?  A chair suffering from wobbly leg syndrome? Some clothes in need of mending or TLC? Then the Central Okanagan’s first ever Repair Café could be just the event you’re looking for!
Hosted by the Regional Waste Reduction Office, the inaugural Repair Café takes place at Okanagan College Center for Learning, Saturday November 22nd, from 10am until 2pm. And yes, it’s all free!

“Quite often, when you get an item repaired, it’s a drop off, pick up process, and you’re entirely removed from the actual repair work,” says Waste Reduction Facilitator Rae Stewart with the Regional District. “At the Repair Café, the idea is that people are the process, and the free repairing of items engages everyone participating.”

“And let’s face it, the sad truth is many household items have become cheaper to replace than repair, and the list of companies that refurbish items or fix broken appliances is short,” says Stewart. “Repair Cafes enlist handy volunteers to help fix broken household items at no cost and teach basic repair skills. They help shift us from a throw away to a fix-it society. The Repair Café offers the perfect solution. “


Stewart adds “Most of our fixers are simply hobbyists who enjoy helping others and want to keep items out of the landfill.  They’re all volunteering their time.  They vary in age and background, just like those that will come with broken items to be fixed. The Repair Café not only offers the opportunity to learn new skills, but also the chance to connect with skilled people. It’s a casual environment of free coffee and baked goods, and did we mention, all the repairs will be free!”

The Repair Café concept started in the Netherlands and while new to this area is now part of a growing international network, a celebration of the great things that can be done when we pool our skills knowledge and resources.

If you have something you‘re looking to have repaired, refurbished, revamped or renewed, you’re invited to join in on the Repair Café. For more info visit regionaldistrict.com/recycle or call the Regional Waste Reduction Office at 250.469.6250.

News from © iNFOnews, 2014