Don't ditch it, fix it

Photo: Contributed

If it's broken, there is a pretty good chance these guys can fix it.

The Repair Café is the place to bring an item that is broken, but still worth keeping.

Hosted by the Regional Waste Reduction Office, the Repair Café takes place at the Okanagan College Centre for Learning Atrium on April 30, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event is free.

“With the help of our talented volunteer fixers, we’re resurrecting the too-good-to-toss mentality — a shift from the throw-away to a fix-it society,” said Rae Stewart with the regional waste reduction office. “Most of our fixers are like-minded hobbyists who enjoy helping others and want to keep items out of the landfill. They’re all volunteering their time. They vary in age and background, just like those that come with broken items to be fixed. This is our fourth Repair Café so far, and momentum is really building with each event."

Stewart said the idea is not to come in, drop off your item for fixing, and then come back when it’s done. Instead, they’re encouraging people to become part of the process.

“The Repair Café offers the opportunity to learn new skills, plus a chance to connect with skilled people. It’s a casual environment, and all the fixing is free of charge. People really like that.”

The Repair Café concept started in the Netherlands and is now part of a growing international network.

For more information, go to regionaldistrict.com/recycle or call 250-469-6250.