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Fix it, don't ditch it – Repair Café a success

The Stettler Recreation Centre lobby was transformed into a space with several skilled artisans and experts as Repair Café was held.
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Larry Strandquist participates in Stettler’s first ever Repair Café as he caters to a community member

The Stettler Recreation Centre lobby had transformed into a space with several skilled artisans and experts who tended to community members’ repair needs at Stettler’s first ever Repair Café on Saturday, Sept. 24.

“The event was well attended, with over 50 successful repairs performed during the four-hour event,” said main event organizer Grace Fix. “This means 50 items are now not going to get tossed.”

Local expert volunteers helped residents repair everything from jeans to leaf blowers, from electronic piano pedals, wooden drawers, chain saws, dull kitchen knives to cell phones and computers.

According to Fix, the purpose of the event was to help keep items in use with a simple fix rather than throwing them into the landfills.

“Help with repairs as well as advice is what these experts were offering,” added Fix.

Among the expert volunteers were Dave McCourt, Dennis Smyth, Dave Goodwin, Larry Strandquist, Harriet Hudson, Maxine Rehman, Brendan Cregg, Rick Schofer, Charlie Bagshaw, John Leard, Tyler Hudgeon and Dale Komischke.

“It is hoped that residents may have picked up a repair skill or two in the process,” Fix said.

While residents got their items fixed, they also had the opportunity to browse through some of the DIY books from the Stettler Public Library on display, with Crystal Friars at hand to sign up or renew memberships.

The library was also helping Stettler and area residents to convert family videos and slides to digital files.

Fix said they received a lot of positive feedback and comments from happy customers who had taken the time on the weekend to bring in their items.

“The expert volunteers were equally enthusiastic about the event and have indicated a willingness to participate again,” Fix added.

Organizers are considering making this a spring and fall event in the future, according to Fix.

The Repair Café event was organized by the Heartland Beautification Committee and the Stettler Public Library and was funded in part by the Stettler Wellness Network.