Repair Cafe

Saturday, November 23, 2024
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Aurora Public Library
15145 Yonge Street
Town of Aurora

For details on other Repair Cafés check with your local library or visit the Share Reuse Repair Hub.

Repair Café specialties*: 

• Bicycles 
• Clothing / textiles (small tears and repairs) 
• E-bikes (with mechanical issues only) 
• Electronics 
• General household items like broken chairs, picture frames, toys, clocks, etc. 
• Jewellery 
• Small appliances like fans, blenders, microwaves, etc. 

*Specialties at each Repair Café may differ as it is dependent on the volunteer fixers available.  

If you know your repair will require replacement parts (e.g. bicycle tire tube, buttons, etc.) please bring the parts with you. 

What can't be fixed: 

• Broken zippers 
• E-bikes or e-scooters with electrical issues 
• Hems and alterations 
• Gas-powered machinery (chainsaws, lawnmowers, snow blowers) 
• Items containing hazardous waste (gas, oil, chemicals, pesticides, etc.) 
• Large kitchen appliances 
• Single serve coffee machines (e.g., Keurig, Nespresso, etc.) 
• Sewing machines 

For items that can’t be fixed, refer to the Share Reuse Repair Hub to locate a local repair shop near you.   

Volunteer Opportunities

Without our valued fixers and volunteers, Repair Cafés would not be possible. We're always looking for eager, enthusiastic people to join our Repair Café team. 

By volunteering at a Repair Café, you can:  

• Give back to your community 
• Practice the hobby you love and help others 
• Prevent good items from going to waste 
• Share your knowledge and learn from others 

Volunteer Roles  

Fixers specializing in: 

• Bicycles 
• Clothing / textiles 
• Electronics 
• General household items like broken chairs, picture frames, toys, clocks, etc. 
• Jewellery 
• Small appliances like fans, blenders, microwaves, etc. 

Greeters / Registration Team  

Information Coordinators 

Schedule Managers 
 

If you like making people smile, fixing things, building community and helping the planet, join the Repair Café team by completing the Volunteer Application Form. You'll receive updates on upcoming volunteer opportunities via email from our partners at Newmakeit. 

Is there a cost to attend a Repair Café?  

No. Repair Cafés are free events supported by volunteers within the community, and coordinated by Newmakeit, a non-profit organization.  

How often do Repair Cafés take place?  

Repair Cafés generally run monthly at various locations across York Region, however there may be periodic changes to that schedule as additional event opportunities arise, or some dates get shifted or even cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.  

Do you need to have a “fixing skill” to volunteer?  

No. Anyone can volunteer. All skills and skill levels are welcome. We’re looking for people to fill many roles including:  

Fixers specializing in: 

• Bicycles 
• Clothing / textiles 
• Electronics 
• General household items like broken chairs, picture frames, toys, clocks, etc. 
• Jewellery 
• Small appliances like fans, blenders, microwaves, etc. 
• Greeters / Registration Team  
• Information Coordinators 
• Schedule Manager 
   

As a volunteer am I expected I attend every Repair Café?

No. Your availability is completely up to you. You determine at which events you would like to volunteer.  

Do I need to bring my own equipment and tools as a volunteer fixer?  

No. Tools and equipment are supplied by the Repair Café, but you are welcome to bring your own tools if you prefer.  

Can I come visit a Repair Café before I decide to volunteer?  

Absolutely. You are more than welcome to come visit a Repair Café before you make your decision to volunteer. Events once finalized are posted under “Dates and Locations”.  

As a volunteer, what if I can’t fix the item?  

Participants are required to register in advance providing details about their broken item to give fixers an opportunity to know what to expect. Before each event participants are made aware that repairs are never guaranteed. They are also informed that volunteer fixers are not obliged to fix every item or return them in the same state in which they were brought to a Repair Café. For example, an item may get disassembled during the diagnosis, but not be fixable. Fixers will do their best to reassemble, but it may not be possible due to limited time between scheduled appointments.  

What do I do if I can’t attend the event I signed up for?  

Volunteers must give organizers 48 hours’ notice if not attending.  

Participants who register to have something repaired are asked to cancel their appointment so others can attend, as space is limited.  

Who can I contact if I have more questions about volunteering?  

Please contact Kate Norris at Newmakeit who is coordinating events for 2024. She can be reached at @email or 289-841-1270. 

Repair Cafés complement York Region’s other programs that support a circular economy by encouraging reuse over buying new. Search under 'Resources for Residents' at york.ca/CircularEconomy for a list of programs available in York Region.