When and where does the Repair Café North Saanich operate?
The Repair Café North Saanich is located in Deep Cove Elementary School at 10975 West Saanich Road and is held on the third Saturday of the month except during the month of December.
What sort of household products can I bring for repair?
You can bring along most household products. Typical products include; items of clothing, textiles, lamps, radios, Hi-Fi equipment, bicycles, hedge trimmers, electronics, toasters, food mixers, coffee makers, kettles, chairs, small tables, typewriters, sewing machines, toys, power tools, laptop computers, clocks, knife sharpening, and jewelry to name but a few! It’s best to check out the website the week before each monthly session to see what repair stations will be available.
Are there any products you don’t repair?
RC North Saanich does not repair any gas driven products, anything with hazardous material (Asbestos, fumes, etc), altering clothing (repairs yes but no tailoring).
What does it cost to get my item repaired?
Repair Cafe North Saanich does not charge to look at and attempt the repair of product or give advice concerning its repair. We do not charge for our time. If you wish you may make a donation to the Repair Café in one of the donation jars located at the reception desk.
Where does the money from donation go?
Repair Café North Saanich has no paid employees–everyone who helps is a volunteer. The money donated goes towards covering costs of supplies to operate the Repair Cafe and to other charities.
Is there a maximum size of product I can bring?
If you can carry it into the Repair Café, we will assess it.
Do repairs come with a warranty?
Repairers offer no guarantee or warranty for any repairs carried out with or without their help and are not liable if any repaired items do not work properly at home or break down again in the future.
Do I need to stay with the product while it is being repaired?
Yes.
Can I bring my children and dogs with me?
Yes! Well behaved dogs on a leash are welcome. Parents or Guardians are responsible at all times for the behaviour and safety of their children and pets during their visit.
Do you have wheelchair access?
Yes!
Do I need to bring the charger/batteries/chord with me for electrical products?
Yes, please remember to bring anything the repairer will need in order to power the item up and attempt a diagnosis of the fault.
What happens when I arrive at the Repair Café?
On arrival, you will you check in at our reception desk to register your product and complete some simple paperwork with one of our volunteers. Once completed you will either be directed to a suitable repairer or be asked to wait in the seating area until one becomes available. Once a repairer becomes available they will discuss the fault with you and then attempt to diagnose the problem with your product. You can wait at the repair station whilst your product repair is being undertaken or go and get a coffee and snack at our Kitchen station. Or you may want to discuss the fault symptoms and even assist the repairer. We actively encourage visitors to discuss with their repairer what is being done, particularly with items that may have developed a simple fault that you could experience again. You may be able to use this knowledge to help rectify or prevent the same problem occurring in future.
What items do you collect for reuse or recycle?
The following donated items:
- Unwanted prescription glasses are taken to Ray Dahl’s Optical & Optometrists or Lifetime Eyecare.
- Clean prescription pill bottles with the labels removed are packaged by Compassionate Warehouse and reused in developing countries.
- Used disposable face masks and disposable cleaning gloves are collected and recycled through Focus Hair Design.
- Used felt pens, regular pens and printer cartridges are recycled by Monk Office Supplies.