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# fixer upper
International Repair Café movement is setting up shop in Kilkenny
The initiative, which originated in Amsterdam, is becoming increasingly popular in Ireland.
PEOPLE IN KILKENNY and surrounding counties are being urged not to discard broken household items but instead bring them along to a free pop-up fixing clinic.
The Repair Café will be held at the MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre next Saturday, 1 November, from 2-5pm.
The project is supported by the Southern Region Waste Management Office.
Organisers are inviting people to drop in with items such as clothing, furniture, bikes or electrical equipment. They will then learn how to fix them with the help of local volunteers.
Pauline McDonogh, Regional Waste Prevention Co-ordinator, said that the concept is simple.
“The Café brings together local volunteers who have a range of skills and knowledge about fixing items.
“Householders bring along their broken items, sit with the volunteer and watch and learn from when the item is taken apart to when it is put back together again.
Repair Café organisers find the majority of people who show up bring items they feel are too expensive to repair and would simply throw them away, lamps and children’s toys being popular examples. Often however, these items are easily repairable.
The cafés have been held in several counties to date and the movement is expected to grow further in 2015. The world’s first Repair Cafe was opened in Amsterdam in 2009.
If you’re an electrician, seamstress, carpenter or good at DIY, and would like to volunteer your time during upcoming cafés, email repaircafeireland@gmail.com or click here.
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