Repair cafes are back in Maple Ridge, with the first one of 2024 coming up on Feb. 10.
It will be held at the Maple Ridge Public Library (22470 Dewdney Trunk Rd.) from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
A repair cafe is an opportunity for people to learn how to fix a broken bicycle, jewelry piece, stuffed toy, a holey sock, and much more. Experienced volunteers will be there to lend a hand and offer advice, and the organizers from the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society also offer the tools and materials needed.
Repair cafes were first launched in Maple Ridge in 2018, and there have been 37 events since.
There were nine repair cafes held in 2023, at six indoor and outdoor venues. People brought in more than 600 items to be repaired, and the society boasts a rate of 68 per cent successfully fixed.
There were 54 volunteers who worked at the cafes, and 20 new people signed up to volunteer.
There is more financial support this year, as the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society has received a $10,000 grant from Vancouver’s enviroFund Program.
“This funding will go directly into providing monthly Repair Cafes for the community in 2024,” said Leanne Koehn, community engagement manager for the society. “The funds will cover things like venue and insurance costs, tools and materials to do the repairs, and volunteer food and expenses.”
There will be eight more repair cafes after the coming Feb. 10 event.
For more information visit www.repaircafe.ca, or email leanne@rmrecycling.org
READ ALSO: Study suggests oilsands pollutant release vastly higher than official estimates