Repair Cafe
Love It. Break It. Fix It.
Repair Cafés are free events that bring together those with broken items and those who can fix them.
York Region, in partnership with NewMakeIt, offers a series of Repair Cafés across York Region, hosted at local libraries and community spaces.
From bicycle chains to bracelet clasps to torn pants, volunteer fixers are available to help repair your item free of charge, extending its life.
Each item repaired at a Repair Café is:
- One less item wasted
- One less item purchased
- One more proud fixer
- One more smiling face
Since 2018, with the support of our community partners and volunteers, York Region Repair Cafés have fixed over 550 items.
Interested in hosting a Repair Café? Contact us.
Dates and locations
Saturday, September 21, 2024
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Civic Centre Resource Library
2191 Major Mackenzie Drive West
City of Vaughan
Saturday, October 26, 2024
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library
2 Park Drive
Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
Saturday, November 23, 2024
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Aurora Public Library
15145 Yonge Street
Town of Aurora
For details on other Repair Cafés check with your local library.
What can be fixed
Repair Café specialties*:
- Bicycles
- Clothing / textiles (small tears and repairs)
- Electronics
- General household items like broken chairs, picture frames, toys, clocks, etc.
- Jewellery
- Small appliances like fans, blenders, microwaves, etc.
*Specialties at each Repair Café may differ as it is dependent on the volunteer fixers available.
If you know your repair will require replacement parts (e.g. bicycle tire tube, buttons, etc.) please bring the parts with you.
Items not fixed:
- Broken zippers
- Hems and alterations
- Gas-powered machinery (chainsaws, lawnmowers, snow blowers)
- Items containing hazardous waste (gas, oil, chemicals, pesticides, etc.)
- Large kitchen appliances
- Single serve coffee machines (e.g., Keurig, Nespresso, etc.)
- Sewing machines
How to volunteer
Volunteer Opportunities
Without our valued fixers and volunteers, Repair Cafés would not be possible. We're always looking for eager, enthusiastic people to join our Repair Café team.
By volunteering at a Repair Café, you can:
- Give back to your community
- Practice the hobby you love and help others
- Prevent good items from going to waste
- Share your knowledge and learn from others
Volunteer Roles
Fixers specializing in:
- Bicycles
- Clothing / textiles
- Electronics
- General household items like broken chairs, picture frames, toys, clocks, etc.
- Jewellery
- Small appliances like fans, blenders, microwaves, etc.
Greeters / Registration Team
Information Coordinators
Schedule Managers
If you like making people smile, fixing things, building community and helping the planet, join the Repair Café team by completing the Volunteer Application Form. You'll receive updates on upcoming volunteer opportunities via email from our partners at Newmakeit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost to attend a Repair Café?
No. Repair Cafés are free events supported by volunteers within the community, and coordinated by Newmakeit, a non-profit organization.
How often do Repair Cafés take place?
Repair Cafés generally run monthly at various locations across York Region, however there may be periodic changes to that schedule as additional event opportunities arise, or some dates get shifted or even cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Do you need to have a “fixing skill” to volunteer?
No. Anyone can volunteer. All skills and skill levels are welcome. We’re looking for people to fill many roles including:
Fixers specializing in:
- Bicycles
- Clothing / textiles
- Electronics
- General household items like broken chairs, picture frames, toys, clocks, etc.
- Jewellery
- Small appliances like fans, blenders, microwaves, etc.
- Greeters / Registration Team
- Information Coordinators
- Schedule Manager
As a volunteer am I expected I attend every Repair Café?
No. Your availability is completely up to you. You determine at which events you would like to volunteer.
Do I need to bring my own equipment and tools as a volunteer fixer?
No. Tools and equipment are supplied by the Repair Café, but you are welcome to bring your own tools if you prefer.
Can I come visit a Repair Café before I decide to volunteer?
Absolutely. You are more than welcome to come visit a Repair Café before you make your decision to volunteer. Events once finalized are posted under “Dates and Locations”.
As a volunteer, what if I can’t fix the item?
Participants are required to register in advance providing details about their broken item to give fixers an opportunity to know what to expect. Before each event participants are made aware that repairs are never guaranteed. They are also informed that volunteer fixers are not obliged to fix every item or return them in the same state in which they were brought to a Repair Café. For example, an item may get disassembled during the diagnosis, but not be fixable. Fixers will do their best to reassemble, but it may not be possible due to limited time between scheduled appointments.
What do I do if I can’t attend the event I signed up for?
Volunteers must give organizers 48 hours’ notice if not attending.
Participants who register to have something repaired are asked to cancel their appointment so others can attend, as space is limited.
Who can I contact if I have more questions about volunteering?
Please contact Kate Norris at Newmakeit who is coordinating events for 2024. She can be reached at @email or 289-841-1270.
Other connections
Repair Cafés complement York Region’s other programs that support a circular economy by encouraging reuse over buying new. Search under 'Resources for Residents' at york.ca/CircularEconomy for a list of programs available in York Region.