Repair Café Revives Broken Items and Community Spirit in Regina

Residents in Regina brought a range of broken items to the Repair Café held at the Heritage Market on Saturday. This initiative, which began three years ago as an annual event, has transformed into a monthly occurrence, thanks to the support from Affinity Credit Union. The Repair Café not only aims to mend appliances, clothing, and electronics, but also fosters community connections and promotes environmental sustainability.

Rob Deglau, chair of the EnviroCollective Network, highlighted the environmental mission behind the initiative. “We’re in environmental networking, so our job is to disseminate information around climate action and recycling,” he stated. The involvement of the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council in 2021 catalyzed the shift to monthly events, with Deglau noting, “We realized more people were coming to our Repair Café than to our other events.”

The Repair Café has become a vital resource for residents, with sewing repairs being the most requested service. Participants sign up online ahead of time, allowing organizers to prepare for the types of items that will be brought in. Statistics reveal that an impressive 69 percent of items are successfully repaired, with the process typically taking between 30 minutes and two hours.

Among the technicians is Jacob Picard, who joined the team last month. His journey into electronics repair began at the age of 16 when he learned to fix a PlayStation 3 remote. “My dad told me that I should start learning how to fix stuff around the house,” Picard recounted. Over time, his skills grew, leading him to tackle various electronics, including an Xbox One S and a PS5 controller. “What keeps me pushing through is just the excitement of it,” he added, emphasizing the joy of reviving broken items.

Working alongside Picard is Josh Johnston, who has been repairing things since childhood. His first memory involves fixing a light-up police car at the age of 10. Johnston said, “I like to tinker and take things apart,” explaining how he developed his skills through necessity. He connected with Deglau through a friend involved in repair clinics, eager to contribute to the Repair Café’s mission.

Johnston expressed his surprise at the capabilities he has developed. “In the end, you could get a new coffeemaker for 20 dollars,” he said. “Or we could spend an hour trying to fix the one that you have broken.” The café not only offers a second chance for residents to utilize their items but also plays a significant role in reducing waste that often ends up in landfills.

The Repair Café continues to evolve, with community members rallying around the shared goal of sustainability and resourcefulness. As the initiative grows, it not only provides practical solutions but also strengthens community ties, making Regina a model for similar projects elsewhere.