The Parksville Qualicum Beach community overwhelmingly welcomed the inaugural Oceanside Repair Café on Saturday, April 20.
A sizeable crowd attended the event that offered free repairs. It was held at St. Stephen’s Church Hall.
“We were expecting maybe 50 people at most to drop by, and 40 people arrived in the first hour,” said Anne Skipsey, one of the organizers of the event.
By the end of the day, 126 people brought a myriad of items for 14 skilled volunteers to repair. They include small appliances, computers and electronics, lamps, furniture and bicycles.
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The mood was friendly and cheerful and though some had to wait to reach a repair volunteer, they were patient. There were coffee, tea and freshly baked goods available.
There was no charge for repairs, as the aim of the Repair Café is to lessen the load on the landfill and provide people with an alternative to buying new items.
Donations were accepted to help with costs and to fund the next event.
“I had a jacket repaired and knives sharpened. Thrilled that you are doing this,” was the feedback from one happy customer.
Given the enthusiastic response, organizers are working on plans to hold another Oceanside Repair Café in June. To find out more, see www.repaircafeoceanside.com.
