Black History Month

Click here for resources and events.

Discover the Joy of Repairing at the Repair Café

 

Are you tired of throwing out broken items that could be easily repaired? Have you ever wished you could fix your own jewelry, clothing, or small appliances? Well, you’re in luck.

Repair Café North Saanich in collaboration with the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria are here to offer a fun, educational, and environmentally friendly solution to your broken belongings.

Mark your calendars and come join us on Thursday, February 6th, 2025, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at the ICA Office.

What is a Repair Café?

A Repair Café is a community event where you can bring in your broken items – such as jewelry, clothing, small appliances, electronics, wood furniture, and more – and learn how to fix them. At a Repair Café, you are an active part of the process! Whether you need help with sewing, soldering, or fixing a lamp, local experts—our “Fixers”—will work alongside you, teaching you the skills to make your items as good as new.

Why should you come?

1. It’s Great for Your Wallet

Repairing your belongings instead of replacing them can save you money! No need to buy a new blender or lamp when a quick fix will do.

2. A Win for the Environment

Did you know that sending items to the landfill when they can easily be fixed contributes to environmental harm? Repairing things helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and promotes a sustainable, circular economy.

3. A Fun and Educational Experience

Not only will you witness how to repair various items, but you’ll also connect with like-minded individuals in a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere. It’s a chance to exchange ideas, skills, and knowledge while contributing to a more sustainable future.

4. Coffee, Cookies, and Conversation

Who said learning can’t be fun? We’ll have plenty of coffee and delicious cookies to keep you fueled and engaged as you work on your repairs. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the company of your neighbors while making a positive impact.

5. A Place to Share and Give Back

Our volunteer Fixers are passionate about sharing their skills and helping others. Whether you need a little guidance or a lot, they are there to support you. It’s a great way to learn new skills and become part of a community of helpers.

What we can fix:

If you have something broken that needs a little TLC, bring it along, and our experts will guide you through the process. We have 11 skilled Fixers ready to assist with a wide range of repairs, including Electrical, Electronics, General, Jewelry, Sewing, Stuffed Animals & Dolls, and Woodwork.

At our Repair Café, we’ve got a wide range of items that we can help you fix, including:

  • Jewelry
  • Clothing
  • Small Appliances
  • Electronics
  • Wooden Furniture

And more!

Here are a few important things to keep in mind:
  • One item at a time: If you bring multiple items, please note that you’ll need to restart the line for each item if there’s a queue. This ensures that as many people as possible get the chance to benefit from the service.
  • Jewelry: Our experts can help with re-stringing, hook replacements, and cleaning, but they won’t be able to fix fancy jewelry or do soldering.
  • Small Appliances (Formed Plastic): If the appliance is made to be non-repairable, unfortunately, there isn’t much they can do.
  • Spare Parts and Materials: Although the Fixers may have a variety of parts and materials on hand, they might not have everything needed for your specific repair. If you have spare parts for your item, please bring them along!
  • Stuffed Animals & Dolls: Yes! We can give your little ones’ stuffed animals a new lease on life! Bring them in for some TLC.

It’s about building community

Repair Café North Saanich isn’t just about fixing things – it’s about building community. When you come to our event, you’re not just getting your items fixed; you’re joining a movement of people who want to make the world a little better, one repair at a time. You’ll meet friendly locals, share your experiences, and leave with the knowledge to fix things yourself in the future.

A Global Movement, right here in Victoria

Repair Café North Saanich is part of a global movement, with more than 2,500 Repair Cafés worldwide. Launched in 2020, their local initiative has already helped fix over 2800 items, from bikes to popcorn makers, and they continue to grow with each event.

Together, let’s stay committed to making a difference in our community by promoting sustainable living and reducing waste.

Ready to get fixing? We can’t wait to see you!

Bring your broken items, your curiosity, and your willingness to learn. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or someone who’s never picked up a needle and thread, we welcome everyone. Come together with your neighbors, have some coffee, and help make the world a little bit better, one repair at a time.

Download PDF

 

GOT QUESTIONS?

Reach out to us at mlauzon@icavictoria.org or repaircafenorthsaanich@gmail.com.

We’re happy to help.

Let’s fix, learn, and grow together at Repair Café North Saanich.

To learn more about the Repair Café Initiative and Repair Café North Saanich, visit: www.repaircafenorthsaanich.ca