Repair instead of replacing: Free Repair Café July 25

Before throwing away that broken lamp, bicycle, favorite shirt or treasured heirloom, bring it to the Repair Café from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 25 at the Flores Senior Center, 111 W. Lugonia Ave.

Hosted by ANCA Redlands and generously sponsored by Ace Hardware, the Repair Café gives community members the opportunity to have broken household items repaired – for free – by skilled volunteer repair experts. Items include bicycles, toys, clothing and textiles, computers, watches and clocks, jewelry, lamps, small appliances and electronics.

Every item repaired is one less item headed to the landfill.

“Our throw-away culture creates enormous amounts of waste,” said Dick Corneille, Repair Café Coordinator. “Many items that people assume are beyond repair can often be fixed with a little time and expertise. The Repair Café not only saves people money, but it also helps conserve resources, reduce waste, and bring neighbors together.”

There is no charge for repairs, although donations to support future Repair Cafés are always appreciated. Community members are encouraged to register in advance to help the repair team plan for required tools and parts, but walk-ins will be welcomed as space permits. Please register at repaircafe.ancaredlands.org. Registration also allows you to select a preferred drop-off time at 9, 10, or 11 a.m. Priority is given to those who pre-register, but walk-ins are welcome until 11 a.m.

If you enjoy fixing things, ANCA is always looking for skilled volunteers to join its Repair Café team. Volunteers choose how often they participate and work alongside a fun, welcoming group of fellow fixers.

Repair Cafés are part of a growing international movement that encourages repairing instead of replacing to help communities reduce waste, conserve valuable natural resources, and strengthen community connections through the sharing of practical skills.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Dick Corneille at dickc@ancainlandempire.org.