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Repair Café

In cooperation with the City of Vancouver, SPEC is hosting 9 repair cafes in 2024 in support of the City’s Zero Waste by 2040 goals and SPEC’s Zero Waste Committee education and advocacy programs.

What is a Repair Café?

Started in Amsterdam in 2009, Repair Café is a global initiative that aims to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, and to change society’s “throw-away” mindset.

Repair Café brings together local repair volunteers with a knack for repairing who are willing to lend their knowledge and show event participants how to carry out repairs.  Community members are encouraged to bring computers/laptops, bicycles, small appliances, textiles, and electronics to be diagnosed and repaired. 

Please note: 
-Only 1 item per person per event
-Visitors must sign a waiver of liability to participate
-New replacement parts are not provided by Repair Cafe or volunteer fixers
-For smart phone screen replacement, please bring a new screen that fits your device to your appointment
-We are unable to repair large appliances at this time
-Ensure your item is clean of dirt, food particles or grease. Clothing/textiles should be laundered – Fixers may refuse to repair if the item is not clean

The more we can repair, reuse, and recycle the longer products stay in circulation.  

Upcoming Repair Cafes

May – Killarney Community Centre
Saturday, May 18 2024
9:30am-1:30pm PT
Killarney Community Centre – 6260 Killarney St, Vancouver
Register at Eventbrite

 
June – West End Community Centre
Saturday, June 22 2024
9:30am-1:30pm PT
West End Community Centre – 870 Denman St, Vancouver
Registration information coming soon
 
July – Hillcrest Community Centre
Saturday, July 20 2024
9:30am-1:30pm PT
Hillcrest Community Centre – 4575 Clancy Loranger Way, Vancouver
Registration information coming soon
 

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Get Involved!

Volunteers are integral to the functioning of a repair café. Below are a list of volunteers opportunities that we are currently recruiting for. To become a volunteer, click the link below to register and the Repair Cafe Coordinator will email you with further details.

Register to volunteer

Registration/ Check-in volunteers are the first people to interact with participants when they enter the Repair Café. Tasks include:

  • Greet visitor at the entrance and confirm their appointment on the guest list
  • Ask visitor to complete waiver form and confirm item being repaired
  • Review House Rules with guest
  • Ensure item being repaired is clean – instruct visitor to clean food particles, dust, etc.
  • Introduce visitor to their repair volunteer
  • Ensure data is collected before visitor leaves

Event support volunteers help to ensure the event is running smoothly through the day. Tasks include:

  • Set up tables and chairs
  • Prepare coffee and refreshment table
  • Post directional signs
  • Help with Repair Data collection
  • Put away tables and chairs post event
  • Collect directional signs
  • Pack refreshment supplies
  • Help transport Event Supplies, if needed
Fixers (repairers) volunteers are handy and likes to share their knowledge with community members.
We particularly need fixers who are handing with:
  • Electronics
  • computers/tablets
  • Small appliances
  • Clothing/textiles
  • Bikes
  • Jewelery
  • Books and paper repair

Apprentice Fixer Learn alongside an experienced fixer.