Oceanside residents can bring their broken items to be repaired by volunteers at St. Stephens United Church in Qualicum Beach on Saturday, April 20, for the first repair cafe event in the region. (Repair Cafe Toronto on Facebook)

By Jordan Davidson

free repairs

‘All around win-win situation:’ have your items fixed by neighbours at Oceanside repair cafe

Apr 20, 2024 | 5:50 AM

QUALICUM BEACH — A unique community event utilizing the skills of community members is coming to the Oceanside area.

On Saturday, April 20, the first edition of the Oceanside Repair Cafe will be taking place at St. Stephens United Church (150 Village Way, Qualicum Beach) from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Organizer Lally Grauer said locals can bring their broken or damaged goods to be repaired by volunteer members of their community, free of charge.

“We’ve got people who can fix small appliances, electronics, tech items like computers and phones. Small furniture, bicycles, people who can mend clothing, sharpen knives, and we have someone who can string guitars.”

The event will start at 10 a.m. and go until 3 p.m., with an hour break over the noon hour.

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Grauer said it’s an important event to help build community, along with keeping items out of the landfill.

“It does help build community and we’ve met so many people who’ve come on board since this has started. It’s community building in that sense, but as well, it’s a way of doing something for the environment, just a small thing, but something that adds up.”

She said they first heard of the repair cafe idea from a Nanaimo group, Fix-Up Factory, who held a similar event last year at the Vancouver Island Regional Library.

Similar events have taken place on the Island including in North Saanich, with the idea originating in Holland in 2009 with over 3,000 groups worldwide, according to the international site, repaircafe.org.

“Things are kept out of the landfill and people feel that they have done something…we encourage people to learn skills from the repair people while they are there, then they won’t have to always go back and buy something new and throw something into the landfill,” said Grauer. “It helps people to save money, meet other people. It’s all around a win-win situation.”

Participants are being asked to bring one item only each you’re able to carry, to ensure everyone has a chance to get at least one thing repaired.

Grauer said any local handy person is welcome to volunteer to help out, and donations will be accepted to help fund future repair cafes.

“We are really hoping to have a regular repair cafe happening in Oceanside.”

Free coffee, tea, and baked goods will also be provided by volunteers with St. Mark’s Anglican Church.

More information can be found at repaircafeoceanside.ca.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow