Repair Exchange Calgary

Very few people even think about the possibility of repairing their broken products. Most people no longer know how to repair things. Instead of throwing items away, they are given a second life at a Repair Exchange and aren't needlessly thrown away in the landfill.

The steps are simple.

1. Find those items that have been sitting in your garage or closet for months (or maybe even years).

2. Head to a Repair Exchange. There you will meet an event organizer or volunteer who will help you sign-in and will pair you with a fixer.

3. Work alongside your fixer to assess and fix your item. While you’re at the event you are also welcome to chat and connect with the other event go-ers!

4. When you’re finished, exchange something with your fixer. It would be a recipe, baked goods, fixing something in return for them.

Somethings to note:

• Fixers are volunteers and not professionals, they can help YOU learn to fix your items.

• There is no guarantee that your item can be fixed but it’s always an opportunity to meet someone and learn!

You can bring a variety of items to a Repair Exchange.

The types of items that we will help you fix are:

• Small household items (lamps, kitchen appliances, etc.)

• Bike tune ups (cables adjustment and lubrication)

• Clothing repairs (sewing patches and/or holes)

• Zippers slider maintenance and replacement.

You can also bring your tablets and smart phones to safely donate.

Items that cannot be brought to a Repair Exchange are:

• Large appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, etc.).

• Custom clothing tailoring, hemming, or zipper replacements.

• Furniture, paint, vehicles, etc

The work carried out in the Repair Exchange is free-of-charge on a voluntary basis by the fixers at hand. To make sure every one leaves the event happy, we have created some ground rules:

• Fixers are volunteers and not professionals. They are here to help YOU learn to fix your item, not to fix it for you. Please stay with your item and learn new skills.

• There is no guarantee that your item can be fixed. Fixers do not have to reassemble your item.

• Items cannot be left here.

• This is a safe and inclusive event, be kind and respectful to all. Meet someone new, learn, and HAVE FUN!

• Participation in this Repair Exchange or Repair Café is at your own risk. You are responsible for yourself and your items while you are here.

• If you need to purchase parts to fix your item, you must pay for those parts.

• You are joining a global movement of Fixers, donate to support this work and get involved at future events!

• We may be taking pictures at this event. Your participation today means you agree to your picture being taken and for it to be used by the Arusha Centre and this community organization.

• You can exchange something with your Fixer (examples include money, a gift, helping the Fixer, a high five, or fixing something for them in return).

Questions? use the contact form below to ask.

We’re here to help local groups set up their own Repair Exchanges. Simply ask for support.

Do it as soon as you come up with the idea to start your own Repair Exchange!

This prevents overlaps and makes it possible for us to, for example, put you in touch with other people in your neighbourhood who are interested in starting a Repair Exchange, volunteer fixers, and community partners.