What is Repair Café Guelph?
The Repair Café Guelph is an initiative of the Guelph Tool Library in support of the movement started by the Repair Café Foundation in Amsterdam. in Guelph, Repair Cafés are organized roughly every two months at different locations throughout the city, in which volunteer “fixers” help visitors fix their broken items and learn while doing it. The aim is to build a more sustainable society and counter the throwaway mindset. We support the model of the sharing economy through building a community where people with repair skills are valued and organizations collaborate and innovate for the common good.
Want to see how Repair Cafes work? Check out these two videos: the documentary “FIXED” from Toronto Repair Cafe or the below video from the Pasadena Repair Café.
When is the Next Repair Café?
Our next Repair Café will take place on Saturday, October 5th, from 11 am to 3 pm at Guelph Tool Library in Old Quebec Street Shoppes, 55 Wyndham St N, unit 115. This event is in collaboration with the City of Guelph.
For all of our updates, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check out our calendar! Our 2024 Repair Cafe events are in collaboration with the City of Guelph and other partners.
Why Repair Cafés?
We throw away vast amounts of stuff. Even things with almost nothing wrong, and could get a new lease on life after a simple repair. The trouble is, lots of people have forgotten that they can repair things themselves or they no longer know-how. Knowing how to make repairs is a skill quickly lost. Society doesn’t always show much appreciation for the people who still have this practical knowledge, and against their will, they are often left standing on the sidelines. Their experience is never used, or hardly ever.
Repair Café is changing all that! People who might otherwise be sidelined are getting involved again. Valuable practical knowledge is getting passed on. Things are being used for longer and don’t have to be thrown away. This reduces the volume of raw materials and energy needed to make new products. It cuts CO2 emissions, for example, because manufacturing new products and recycling old ones causes CO2 to be released.
The Repair Café teaches people to see their possessions in a new light. And, once again, to appreciate their value. The Repair Café helps change people’s mindsets. This is essential to kindle people’s enthusiasm for a sustainable society.
But most of all, the Repair Café just wants to show how much fun repairing things can be, and how easy it often is. Why don’t you give it a go?
The first Repair Café started in Amsterdam in 2009. This initiative has now spread to more than 20 countries and more than 1,000 Repair Cafés have been held. To learn more, please visit RepairCafe.org.
Frequently Asked Questions about Repair Café Guelph
How often are Repair Cafes held?
We organize Repair Cafes roughly once every two months.
When and Where are Repair Cafes held?
Repair Cafes are held at various locations throughout the city. You can find out about the location of our next Repair Cafe above, or on our calendar.
What can I bring to the Repair Cafe?
You can bring electronics, small electrical appliances, computers, cellphones, clothing, jewelry, clocks, bikes and more. Please note that volunteer fixers to help with fixing all these items may not be available at every Repair Cafe.
What do we not fix at the Repair Cafe?
- Items involving welding.
- Refrigeration Equipment – Coolers, Bar Fridges, Air Conditioners, dehumidifiers, etc
- Gas powered equipment – lawn mowers, line trimmers, chain saws, etc.
- Items operating on power greater than 120 volts
- Tools and appliances from other countries operating on different currents.
What if I want to volunteer at the Repair Cafe?
We are always looking for volunteers who can help with fixing items, as well as help with running the events. If you are interested in joining us, please email us at RepairCafe@GuelphToollibrary.org.
