Drawing from increasingly wider network, WNC Repair Cafe events at the Asheville Tool Library have been steadily building momentum in 2023. Having completed four expanded repair cafe events so far in 2023, our committed volunteers have come to expect the unexpected. We see our fair share of lamps, tools, appliances and small engines, but we're also taking on the odd jobs: a 3rd generation heirloom umbrella, a stained glass lampshade, even components of pinball machines!
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| Volunteer Chris helps diagnose and repair the plunger switch from a fishing-themed pinball machine. |
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| A simple fix on a priceless family heirloom |
Our special sewing and mending events are doing well too, and with the support of Buncombe County libraries we're continuing to make free sewing and mending repairs available to all. Every job represents a special new challenge, and here too, we're fixing more than clothes. WNC Repair Cafe volunteers are stitching stuffed animals, mending outdoor gear and even a patching a beekeeper's suit! Stay tuned to as we'll be expanding on our schedule of sewing and mending events later this fall.
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| Discussing visible mending techniques at Pack Memorial Library |
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| Deborah was thankful to have help with mending her beekeeping gear |
2023 repair events have been eclectic and fun, but upon parsing the data, a common theme has been revealed: WNC Repair Cafe is building a community with the confidence to take on repairs of their own.
Guests are visiting our repair events for a variety of reasons:
- 28% want to learn the skills necessary to repair
- 26% want to support sustainability initiatives
- 17% want to save money
- 14% don't know where else to go for repair
- 7% really don't want to throw their items in the landfill
- 5% show up for the community of like-minded individuals
- 3% just really love fixing things.
Of course there's overlap here in our visitor's motivations. Two things stick out to me: most people want to learn repair, and many people don't know where else to go. Repair cafes are providing a space for these people to meet each other and share their mutual skills and one thing has been resoundingly clear: guests are gaining the skills necessary for repair. Our data for 2023 events shows that 65% of those who filled out our exit surveys responded they are more confident to take on repairs on their own.