Do you have a bike that’s not quite ready for spring? Is your toaster not toasting? Does your computer run so slow that it feels like you’re back in the dreary days of dial-up?
If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of those questions, there may just be some help available – and it’s free.
Orillia is hosting its first Repair Café on March 24 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at St. James’ Anglican Church at 58 Peter St. N.
“This is about the community coming together to help meet a need,” said Shannon Edwards, one of five Lakehead University social work students behind the inaugural initiative. “Anyone can come, bring what needs to be fixed, have some refreshments and be part of this.”
The students have partnered with Lake Country Time Trade (LCTT), a grass-roots community where citizens exchange services. “The idea is that rather than pay someone to do something, you trade your time,” Edwards explained. “For example, maybe you need something repaired, but you don’t have the skills. In exchange, you could, for example, walk a dog for someone … that’s kind of how it works.”
It’s important to note you don’t have to exchange a service to take advantage of the Repair Café. The students, with help from LCTT, have gathered a group of people willing to volunteer their time and repair skills to help people fix items in need of repair.
“I think it’s a great idea because it definitely helps the community and is inclusive,” said Edwards. “It’s also a way to advocate for the less fortunate who may not be able to afford to pay to have an item fixed. And, environmentally, it’s great because instead of throwing something out, it can be fixed.”
The Repair Café can help with bicycle repairs, minor furniture fixes, repair of small household appliances, sewing and mending, computers and can help those who need assistance with computers.
“We will also have some refreshments,” said Edwards, who noted the Sunshine Initiative is sponsoring the event, providing funds to help promote the event and to purchase refreshments. “It’s really a community event.”
