Repair Café helps residents fix, mend and learn

Kathy Mostardi, volunteer with Nith Valley EcoBoosters, carefully repairs a book. Ashley Ropp photo

By Diane Danen

Instead of tossing broken household items into the trash, residents of Wilmot and Wellesley townships were invited to learn how to fix them at the Nith Valley EcoBoosters Repair Café in New Hamburg on Saturday, Jan. 31.

The free event ran from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Zion United Church.

Repair cafés are community gatherings where residents bring broken items to be fixed with the help of volunteer “fixers.” The goal of the event is to reduce waste, share repair skills and strengthen connections within the community.

“There was a great turnout at our second Repair Café,” said Ashley Ropp, a member of Nith Valley EcoBoosters. “We repaired fewer items than last time, but more people came out. A lot of people seemed really excited about it".

Five volunteers helped attendees repair small appliances, mechanical items, books and textiles, with sewing and mending proving especially popular. One visitor came in just to have a button replaced.

“Not only was I able to sew the button on for them,” said Ashley Ropp, “I was also able to teach them the skill so they can do it themselves in the future.”

The group is always looking for volunteers, but it is especially in need of a licensed electrician to help with electrical repairs. To volunteer, email nvebrepaircafe@gmail.com.

The Nith Valley EcoBoosters are planning to host The Repair Café the last Saturday every other month at Zion United Church, 215 Peel St., New Hamburg. The next Repair Café will be held on March 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.