Three local groups – Stettler Wellness Network, Stettler Public Library and Heartland Beautification Centre – are coming together to organize a Repair Cafe on Saturday, Sept. 24, 1- 5 p.m. at the Stettler Recreation Centre.
"The concept is that people throw out items because they don't know how or where to repair them and so the items end up in our landfill when perhaps a simple fix could keep them in use," said Grace Fix, who is heading the execution of the concept.
When Stettler area resident Brenda Barritt of Stettler Adult Learning recalled her years in Amsterdam, she was able to remember how successful the concept of Repair Cáfe was.
More recently, when Red Deer started their own Repair Cáfe event, Barritt wondered if one could get started in Stettler.
So, she proposed the concept to the Heartland Beautification Committee who felt it was a perfect fit for the community and jumped enthusiastically into the project.
Fix, Stettler's environmental expert, acted upon it promptly putting together what would be Stettler's first Repair Cáfe, a one-of-kind-concept.
"There will be no charge for repairs, unless new parts are required," said Fix. " A voluntary donation jar will be available for those who wish to contribute to the costs of holding this event."
Fix said that they have gathered 13 local expert volunteers who will help residents with repairs.
"The resident will work with or watches the volunteer so that perhaps the resident leaves with a small repair skill and a fixed item," added Fix. "The Repair Cáfe promotes the spirit of repair so that, in the future, residents may either try to fix broken items or they know who to turn to for help with their repair."
Categories will include clothes, wood, small appliances/light fixtures, knife-sharpening, small engines, computer desktops/laptops, cell phones/tablets, musical instruments, power tools and plumbing.