It’s only junk until it’s fixed

Repair cafe keeps stuff out of the landfill and lets people learn what makes things work

People with a knack for fixing things will be on hand next Saturday to mend clothing, repair broken appliances and keep things out of the landfill.

“No job is too big or too small for our 30-plus volunteer fixers,” said Rae Stewart, waste reduction facilitator with the Regional District of Central Okanagan.

The Repair Cafe will be held at Okanagan College in Kelowna from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“The idea is not to come in, drop off your item for fixing and then come back when it’s done,” said Stewart.

“You are encouraged to actively participate in the disassembly, troubleshooting and repair of your item so that you leave fully empowered to share your newfound confidence and knowledge with others.”

Volunteers will be onsite to fix small appliances and other electrical items, bicycles, ceramics, computers, clocks, small upholstery items, small wooden items, metal items and sewing or mending clothing.

The Okanagan Regional Library will also be on site to lend books about home repair, small appliances and more.

Electro Recycle will offer a free barbecue lunch for anyone who brings in a small appliance to be fixed or recycled.

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