REPAIR FAIRS
How it works:
Bring an item to be repaired. If you can carry it in, we will try to fix it! You will be partnered with a volunteer Repair Coach who will tackle your item. You must stay with your item while it is being repaired and it is a great opportunity to learn and connect. Some common items we fix include:
Textiles * Bikes * Lamps * Small Appliances * Computers
*We cannot guarantee your item(s) will be repaired, depending on the existing damage or breakage, ability of volunteer fixers, and availability of materials for repair. Note we also cannot work on microwaves or performing welding or brazing.
What are Repair Fairs ?
Repair Fairs are community events that raise awareness about the benefits of reuse and provide free repair services while supporting the local reuse economy.
Attendees bring items in need of repair (textiles, electronics, small appliances, lamps, bikes, etc.) and are assigned to a volunteer or professional repair coach who fixes the item while teaching the owner. The repair portion is often partnered with a swap (clothes, puzzles, etc.) where visitors can bring items to exchange and with other reuse services, education and activities.
At just a single fair, in just a few hours, we can serve 100 - 150 people, fix 50 - 100 items, divert 500 - 750 pounds from the landfill, and avoid 4,000 - 5,000 kg of CO2e.
But the benefits are not just environmental … Repair Fairs bring the community together creating resilience and spreading the joy of reuse. They connect across generations to share skills, and reduce isolation.
They also support the reuse economy by directing people to local reuse and repair resources.
Volunteer at a Repair Fair
Sign up as a Repair Coach
Do you love fixing things? And helping others? We’d love to have you as a Repair Coach! Please reach out through the form below for more information!
Other Ways to Volunteer
Not a fixer, but still want to help out? We need you too! There are lots of other ways to help with check-in, check out, clothes swaps, and more! Please reach contact volunteer@reusealliance.org to find out how your skills can be put to use!
Partners and Sponsors
