Another edition of Oceanside Repair Cafe returns to Qualicum Beach on Saturday, Jan. 24. (Image Credit: Oceanside Repair Cafe )

By Ian Holmes

second chances

Community-powered Repair Cafe returns to Qualicum Beach

Jan 22, 2026 | 1:04 PM

QUALICUM BEACH  — A complimentary fix-it event for everything from old appliances to refurbished clothing has been a big hit in Qualicum Beach. 

The volunteer-driven Oceanside Repair Cafe returns on Saturday, Jan. 24, at St. Stephen’s United Church on Village Way between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

About 20 skilled volunteers armed with a variety of specialty repair abilities will be positioned to serve the public, said Oceanside Repair Cafe organizing committee member Lally Grauer. 

“It’s a wonderful event that way because it’s feel-good for everybody. It’s feel-good for the repair people who are able to help and get things fixed, and it’s feel-good for visitors who come and get something fixed that’s been sitting around the house.” 

Public response to the local Repair Cafe events has exceeded Grauer’s expectations, who noted 125 people brought items to be fixed at their last event in October, surpassing prior events.  

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Oceanside Repair Cafe requested mainstays involve small appliances like kettles, toasters, vacuum cleaners and lamps. 

Various electronics are also regularly brought in for tune-ups, including computers. 

Clothing alterations are also regularly requested, while a new vintage clock repair worker has since joined their team.

Several volunteers also operate a cafe by donation during the bustling event, which debuted in April 2024.

With a concept originating from the Netherlands, Grauer noted repair cafes are also progressive events, as volunteers demonstrate how various items can be fixed in case of future breakdowns.  

“I’ve had people come out and say, ‘I know who to fix my lap now,’ or there is somebody working on their bike now they can fix that. I’m speaking for myself as someone who’s not mechanically minded, it’s not that easy, but there are people who do pick up those skills for sure.” 

Oceanside Repair Cafe provides more than community building; it also contains environmental benefits.

Grauer told NanaimoNewsNOW 300 items have been repaired by Oceanside Repair Cafe volunteers so far, representing 880 pounds of material saved from the landfill. 

“The slogan of the international community that we’re part of is: ‘Throw it away, no way.’ The idea is to save it from the landfill, re-use it, recycle.” 

She noted roughly 75 per cent of items brought in have been repaired. 

Grauer said it’s important for people to bring in the necessary parts required to fix their requested items. 

Saturday’s Oceanside Repair Cafe is the sixth edition of the event, which currently operates four times annually in January, April, July and October.

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