The community-powered Repair Café returns on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Area residents can give their much-loved items a second life instead of sending them to landfill. The free event takes place on Sat. April 18, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at St. James Anglican Church in Orillia.
Following the success of many previous repair café events, local volunteer “fixers” will be on hand to tackle broken or otherwise non-functioning household items. Since the first event in 2018, organizers estimate that 1,800 lbs (825 kg) of potential waste has been diverted from landfill.
Bring an item that’s broken or needs mending and a volunteer will do their best to repair it – often with you watching and learning right alongside. People will take home working lamps, patched clothing, tightened chair legs, revived gadgets and more.
The goal of the event is to surpass the 2,000 lb milestone by keeping favourite and useful things functional and attractive for a little (or a lot) longer.
Residents who attended past events often say the experience changes how they shop and what they throw away.
“Repair Cafés foster community while promoting sustainability,” says Annalise Stenekes of the volunteer planning team. “Our aim is to reduce waste by repairing and mending items rather than replacing them, while sharing skills so people feel empowered to do more on their own.”
Supported by Sustainable Orillia, St. James Anglican Church and Lake Country Time Trade, the event pairs community members who need help with friendly volunteer fixers.
Skilled volunteers will attempt repairs on:
- electronics (computers, mobile devices, DVD players, stereos, small gadgets)
- electrical items (hair dryers, small kitchen appliances)
- general/household items (fans, lamps, wobbly furniture, light mechanical)
- instruments (ukuleles, guitars, anything that needs some TLC)
- jewellery
- sewing & fabrics – basic mending like patches, zippers, hems (no major alterations)
- toys
- …and more!
First come, first served. One item at a time. On offer will be light refreshments, a book swap, kids activities while you wait, and an opportunity to learn more about Sustainable Orillia’s work in our community.
While the event is free, donations are welcome to help cover supplies and keep the event running twice a year.
“Events like this build confidence and connection,” Stenekes adds. “People learn new skills, meet their neighbours, and go home with something repaired—small wins that add up to a more resilient community.”
Sustainable Orillia President Sarah Patterson agrees:
“The Repair Café advances our mission on multiple fronts—reducing waste, extending product life, and giving people a real sense of agency. It reminds us we can lean on one another’s strengths and show up as a community.”
The Repair Café movement began in Amsterdam in 2009 in response to throw-away culture. Today, Repair Café events around the world save money, reduce landfill waste, cut CO₂ emissions, and promote hands-on learning while bringing people together as a community.
Fix more. Waste less. Learn together. See you at the Repair Café on April 18!
