Frequently Asked Questions

The Swift Current Repair Café is a community event where volunteers help visitors fix their broken household items for free.

Attending a Repair Café helps reduce waste, promotes sustainability, and counters the throwaway It’s also a statement against manufacturers who deliberately produce non-durable products. Additionally, it’s an opportunity to learn repair skills and engage with your community.

1. Volunteer as a Repair Specialist:
   If you have repair skills—whether it’s fixing electronics, sewing, woodworking, or another skill—you can sign up to help at the café.

2. General Volunteer Support:
   Even if you don’t have repair skills, you can assist with organizing, setup, cleanup, greeting visitors, or managing the event flow.

3. Help with Event Logistics:
   Assist with setting up and tearing down the event space. You can also contribute by providing lunch, snacks, or small gift bags for the volunteers to show appreciation for their time and effort.

4. Spread the Word:
   Share information about the Repair Café with your friends, family, and on social media to encourage attendance and support.

5. Donate Tools or Supplies:
   Contribute tools, repair materials, or funds to help keep the event running smoothly.

6. Join the Organizing Team:
   Help plan future Repair Café events, manage logistics, and recruit more volunteers.

7. Participate in the Internship Program:
   Learn how the Repair Café operates and gain experience by working with the team.

8. Contact the Organizers:

   • Use our contact page to reach out to our event organizers.

Feel free to reach out to them to discuss how you can contribute!

Yes, the Swift Current Repair Café is completely free to attend, and there is no charge for the advice or repair assistance provided by our volunteers. At the Repair Café, our dedicated experts generously volunteer their time to assist attendees, ensuring a cost-free experience for all participants.

However, here are a few key points to remember:

• Donations are Welcomed: While the service is free, voluntary donations are greatly appreciated to help cover operational costs such as tools, supplies, and venue expenses.
• Bring Spare Parts if Needed: If your item requires a specific replacement part, it’s a good idea to bring it along. Volunteers may not have all parts available but will guide you through the repair process.
• Respecting Volunteers Outside of the Event: Beyond the event, our volunteers do not offer complimentary repair services. Please express gratitude for their efforts rather than approaching them for free repairs outside the café. Their commitment is highly valued, and maintaining respectful interactions is essential.

If your item cannot be repaired within the time frame of the Repair Café event, here’s what you can do:

• Seek Guidance: Volunteers will provide advice on how to continue the repair process on your own or recommend professional services if needed.
• Come Back to the Next Event: You’re welcome to bring the item to the next Repair Café event for further assistance.
• Follow Up Independently: If the item requires specialized tools or parts not available at the event, volunteers may suggest steps you can take to complete the repair independently.

The Repair Café aims to empower attendees with the skills and knowledge to repair items, even if the process extends beyond the event. Remember, the goal is to reduce waste and foster a culture of repair and sustainability!

The Repair Café is normally held twice a year at the Palliser Pavillion. Check our homepage for times and dates.