Dust off that broken laptop or get out your favorite but ripped sweater, fellow members of the community can help fix them at the new Repair Cafe coming to Sturgeon Bay. Along with providing an opportunity for free repair, participants will be able to gain new skills, build lasting friendships, and socialize.
Much like a traditional cafe that has a full menu of different goods - a Repair Cafe has a similar concept. It will be held once a month and volunteers with a variety of different skills will be on-site to help those needing repairs for their items for things like instruments, small appliances, clothing, shoes, garden tools, and more. While the idea behind the cafe originated in the Netherlands and has been popping up around the country for decades, this is the first one to be officially offered in Door County.
“It is so inspiring to be a part of a Repair Cafe because you see what it's about, it’s not just about taking your thing to get it fixed, drop it off and go, it’s about participating in the experience and it’s really fun because you’re collaborating with other volunteers to fix your broken but beloved item,” said Janelle Peotter, who is helping to coordinate the cafe.
This offering is an excellent way for those in the community to share heritage skills that younger generations may not have a background in like sewing, leatherwork, or welding. It also encourages the younger generations to share their familiar skills like technology, with older individuals in the area, too.
“It’s very much community-building because you know how it is these days, a lot of times you hardly know your neighbor, you wave hi, but then to learn, oh wow, you know how to do XYZ, that’s really cool, I never knew you knew how to do that,” added Peotter, “people also like having their stuff fixed and keeping stuff out of the landfill.”
The first Repair Cafe will launch this summer and is currently being planned. Those interested in volunteering can attend the Organization Meeting on Saturday, May 31st at 10a.m. at Hope United Church of Christ at 141 South 12th Avenue in Sturgeon Bay.
