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Repair Cafe
Love It. Break It. Fix It.
Repair Cafés can bring broken items back to life.
Have you been holding on to an item that just needs a quick fix like a button to be sewn, a vacuum needing a new cord or a bicycle needing a wheel alignment? Then a Repair Café may be the place for you.
A Repair Café is an event where people can bring a variety of household items to be fixed for free. Whether you’re unsure how to do the repair, don’t have the space or the right tools, the Repair Café offers a solution. Volunteer fixers are available to assess your needs and will do their best to fix your item.
How to Volunteer
Volunteer Opportunities
We can’t do this alone! We're looking for eager, enthusiastic people to join our volunteer team.
As a volunteer you may learn new skills, share your skills, be mentored or mentor others.
Roles include:
- Fixers:
- Small applicance repair
- Sewing
- Electronics
- Jewellery
- Bicycles
- Greeters
- Coordinators
Dates and Locations
York Region has cancelled all in-person events in 2020 due to COVID-19. Please stay tuned for 2021 events!
Space is limited.
Registration is required and opens approximately one month before the event date.
Limit of one repair item per person.
Guests can join the back of the queue for any additional items to be fixed once all pre-registered guests have been assisted.
Note: The time it takes to repair an item varies depending on the type of item, type of repair needed, and the number of volunteer fixers. Wait times can exceed one hour in some cases.
What can be Fixed
Repair Café specialties* include:
- Bicycles
- Jewellery
- Sewing needs (small tears and repairs)
- Small appliances
- Toys
*Specialties at each Repair Café may differ as it is dependent on the volunteer fixers attending that day. When you register online please indicate the item you are bringing and we will confirm by email if your item can not be fixed. If you know your repair will require replacement parts (e.g. bicycle tire tube, buttons, etc.) please bring the parts with you.
Items we cannot fix include:
- 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 (i.e.: Keurig, Nespresso, etc.)
- Sewing Machines
Other Connections
Repair Cafés are a great complement to the Region’s other programs
that encourage getting used or previously owned items over buying new.
If you’re willing to pick up a paintbrush or a screwdriver, Curbside Giveaways,
yard sales and online searches for used items can offer the potential
to pick up some amazing treasures and furnish your house or apartment
for almost nothing.
