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Repair Cafés

What’s a Repair Café?

Repair Cafés originated in the Netherlands in 2007, and now run in cities and communities all over the world. They are free, community-led events where volunteer Fixers and Menders assist visitors with repairing broken household items, including small appliances, textiles, electronics, furniture, and more!

Whether visitors need just a bit of extra help or they are brand new to the repair concept, Repair Cafés are an exciting and welcoming environment for sharing skills and knowledgereducing landfill waste, and building community across generations, cultures and more.

Repair Cafés at the OTL

In 2017, the OTL ran the first ever Repair Café in Ottawa and it was an overwhelming success. Seeing this as a need for the community, the OTL has worked to keep these events running and accessible ever since with the generous support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Lee Valley and New Horizons for Seniors Program.

We believe that Repair Cafés are opportunities for all Ottawa & area residents to feel purpose and belonging – whether as a visitor or volunteer – to save money, learn new skills and foster a culture of repair! Repair Cafés directly divert items from our local landfills and reduce our environmental impact, whiling allowing our community to engage in accessible climate action!

Did you know?

Ottawa’s Trail Road Waste Facility receives over 560,000 tonnes of waste a year and is forecast to be full by 2042. (Source: City of Ottawa, 2015)

We’re looking for grant and sponsorship opportunities to continue these events into the future. If you’re interested in providing financial or in-kind contributions (such as space, food and drinks, printing and more) please get in touch!

Get Involved

Attend

Feel free to drop in! Bring a household item to be fixed or just come in to see all of the excitement and activities. We usually have a demo, a garage sale, and even snacks. Join us at any of the upcoming Repair Cafés:

There are no upcoming events at this time, please check back soon.

Volunteer

We love when new folks join our volunteer team! Volunteer roles include, fixing and mending, registration and welcome booth, café, kid’s corner with games and educational materials, and community promoters. If you would like more information or are interested in getting involved, please contact us!

Partner/Donate

We’re grateful to all of our sponsor organizations that have enabled us to deliver Repair Cafés in Ottawa. We’re always looking for grant and sponsorship opportunities to continue these events into the future. If you’re interested in providing financial or in-kind contributions (such as space, food and drinks, printing and more) check out our 2-pager and please get in touch!

Repair Café Gallery