The Repair Café and Repair Fair movement is on the rise in the Metro region and we are always looking for fixers. You can earn Master Recycler hours for volunteering. Needed skills include mending clothes and textiles or fixing things like appliances, jewelry, electronics, small engines, furniture, bikes and other household items. We are also looking for volunteers to help run the show and help out with registration.
Master Recycler Zanna Ahern (Class 58) first heard of the repair events during class. “I was intrigued by the concept so I volunteered at the next Repair Café event put on by Repair PDX. I loved it! It's such a simple idea - combining people who fix things with people who need things fixed. There was such a great feeling of community in the room. I am humbled by the fixers who are so willing to offer their services for free,” she said.
Since that first Repair Café, Zanna has volunteered at four other events, most recently getting involved with Washington County’s Repair Fairs.
Mitzi Sugar (Class 44) is part of the registration team with Repair PDX. “I'm involved with Repair PDX because I love the positive atmosphere and the fact that there are people out there who love fixing things and are willing to volunteer their time to help others.” She noted that the people who bring their items to be fixed are usually so happy to have someone look at their item to figure out if it can be fixed instead of being thrown away.
“Our society has such a disposable mindset and sometimes it's easier to throw something away and buy a replacement. It’s usually because we just don't know where to go to get something fixed, or we don't know anyone who has those skills. Repair PDX is a great way of meeting this need and building community at the same time,” said Mitzi.
Check out the regional repair event calendar for volunteering opportunities near you.
For more information about Repair Cafés in Portland and Gresham visit repairpdx.org or contact repairpdx@gmail.com or repaircafegresham@gmail.com.
For more information about Repair Fairs in Washington and Clackamas Counties, visit www.RepairFair.org or email RepairFairOregon@gmail.com.