What is the Repair Café Oceanside?

The Repair Café Oceanside is a free community event to which people can bring their damaged items from home to be repaired by volunteer “Fixers”. It’s also a chance to learn, with like-minded folks who believe in reusing instead of just discarding still-useful goods into the landfill. You can watch and even help, while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee. It is a positive, friendly and interesting experience for all.

It is also part of an international movement. The Repair Café concept originated in 2009 with Martine Postma, who organized the very first event to which dozens of residents brought their broken items, to a theatre in Amsterdam. This early success prompted her to launch the Repair Café Foundation in 2011. There are now 1,100+ Repair Cafés in 27 countries, spread across six continents.

​

What kinds of things can be fixed?

LOTS! Electrical appliances, clothing, furniture, crockery, housewares, bicycles, toys, mobile phones and ipads, etc. Anything that’s broken (and which you can manage to carry) is welcome and has a good chance of getting properly repaired. Check out the list above of types of repairs that we will offer on April 20. Large appliances such stoves are not practical to repair at this 3-hour event, so don’t bring anything heavier than you can carry.

​

Do I need to bring any tools or supplies?

You don’t have to bring tools, but if your item requires a light bulb, battery, or special part, please bring one along.

​

Is there a cost?

No. The Repair Café is free. How great is that? Nevertheless, voluntary donations that help fund site rental, repair supplies, and refreshments are appreciated!

​

What if my item needs a part?

The Repair Café does not have a large amount of spare parts in stock. Small things such as switches, plugs, wire, thread or darning wool are often available. For other supplies, visitors will usually be given advice on where to buy the material in question. (Home Hardware is just down the street.) It might then be possible to mend the item later on during the event or at the next one.

​

Do I have to register ahead of time?

No. When you arrive at the event, you will be asked to fill out a short form that helps us keep everyone’s repairs organized. You then just wait your turn, while enjoying a cup of tea and chatting with other visitors.

​

Is parking available?

Parking is available at St. Stephen’s Church and on nearby streets. However, the Farmer’s Market will be operating nearby from 8:30-noon, so be prepared for parking at a distance.

​

Can I bring my child with me?

Sure! Be prepared to mind the child as there will be tools and other items that might be dangerous or breakable. 

​

Is the event wheelchair accessible?

Yes. There is a wheelchair ramp at the main entrance. There are also washrooms.

​

Can I bring more than one item?

You can, depending on the number of people. Bring one item which you expect to have repaired. If time, once everyone has been served, you can line up to repair a second item. 

 

How long will my repair take?

It depends. Fixers can usually make an assessment within a few minutes, with most repairs then taking 15 minutes to half an hour. If an item requires a more lengthy repair, and there are others waiting their turn, you may be asked to make other arrangements.

​

Can I drop something off and pick it up later?

Sorry, no. You will need to stay with your item. An important part of the Repair Café is learning about fixing.

​

Are there other Repair Cafés in the region?

There are now Repair Cafés in downtown Victoria, Saanich, Colwood in the south of Vancouver island. Check their Facebook pages for dates and times. Or visit the website repaircafevicbc.ca

 

My item is too heavy to bring to the event. Do you also make house calls?

No, sorry. You can always ask one of the Fixers at the event. Who knows? Maybe somebody would be glad to help you out.

​