Those who have followed WNC Repair Cafe for a long time will know that we started in 2018 in the workshop of a working farm on the north edge of Henderson County. Since the pandemic, and subsequent closing of that farm, we've found a wonderful home at the Asheville Tool Library and Buncombe County libraries. Still, many of our visitors and volunteers alike travel from Henderson County. Others have mentioned the drive is simply too far, especially for those who have difficulty driving at night.
Given these circumstances, we are especially grateful for the Blue Ridge Community College Library and the efforts of local organizer Ann Swift for bringing WNC Repair Cafe back to Henderson County. We'll start with sewing and mending for our first event, with a plan to expand into full service Repair Cafes for 2024. This first event is only week away, but there has already been great enthusiasm and support from a suite of talented local volunteers. This is all very exciting for us!
Our friends at Repair Cafe NC are making similar moves to expand access to Repair Cafes across the North Carolina piedmont. To accomplish this, lead organizer Don Fick, is using a similar tactic: relying on local leadership to organize volunteers, coordinate with local venues and promote events.
Are you interested in becoming a local Repair Cafe organizer under the North Carolina based Repair Cafe network? Send us an email and we'll start a conversation!