By Burlington Repair Cafe team
A Repair Cafe team will hold its next event Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Port Nelson United Church, 3132 South Drive, Burlington. Residents are invited to bring their damaged or broken small household appliances to be fixed by our volunteer “fixers.”
Volunteer fixers will try to help fix items such as fans, lamps, toasters, coffee makers, hair dryers, vacuum cleaners, toys, and more. Our volunteers, many just people with a few “handy” skills, will sit down with you and help you fix your own items, keeping them out of the landfill site.
Items the Repair Cafe won’t fix include lawnmowers, stereos, TVs, CD players, computers, and cell phones. The thought is that if others fix these items as part of their business, then that’s where people should go.
There are over 2,700 Repair Cafes around the world, all with the common purpose of keeping items in operation, lessening the waste that is generated — waste that is part of the pattern of disposable consumption that has become all too common.
Unfortunately, the tradition of repairing items to keep them going is a lost art. Many people are unfamiliar with how to repair everyday items. Plus, manufacturers tend to use proprietary screws and fasteners that make it difficult to open, let alone repair.
Volunteer fixers help residents learn more about their household items, how they work, how to repair those items again if they fail, or how to deal with other everyday items. It’s the fifth “R” in Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse, and now Repair.
The motto of Repair Cafes is “Bring It – Fix It – For Free,” meaning most items are repaired on the spot and many repair parts are supplied for free, thanks to donations and generous suppliers providing discounts on various parts. However, some parts require a search for replacement and the resident is asked to either obtain the part themselves or pay for a one-off part and bring the item back to the next Repair Cafe.
The Burlington Repair Cafe has been in operation since 2019 and has serviced over 200 items from the community. Volunteers are always welcome to become fixers. No expertise is required other than just being a bit handy and having a desire to help others. Help us to keep items out of the landfill site.
For more information visit www.facebook.com/Burlington.Canada.Repair.Cafe or send an email to burlingtonrepaircafe@cogeco.ca.
