The fix is in at City’s new repair cafés
By Lethbridge Herald on October 16, 2025.
Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald
Environment Lethbridge and the Lethbridge Public Library have partnered for the inaugural Repair Cafe, and they are inviting Lethbridge residents to repair broken or damaged items that might otherwise end up in the landfill.
Kathleen Sheppard, executive director of Environment Lethbridge, says repair cafes are a way for community members to share their repair expertise and help other residents.
“Repair cafés occur all around the world and it gives volunteer an opportunity to help Lethbridge residents out and do small repairs on items that might be broken or damaged,” said Sheppard.
She said some of the most common items needing repairs are clothing and textiles, jewelry, toys, bicycles, and small items.
“At Environment Lethbridge, we would like to see items being used as long as possible before being thrown away, and sometimes it is difficult to find ways to fix items, so the repair café is a way to help residents keep their items working longer,” said Sheppard.
The inaugural repair café will be held at the main branch of the Lethbridge Public Library on Oct. 26 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and those interested in either volunteer to share their fixing skills or need something repaired are asked to pre-register and provide a description of their item prior to the event.
“This way the volunteer fixers know what items are coming and they can be prepared,” said Sheppard.
A full list of repair experts is available on the Library’s website at https://www.lethlib.ca/events/repair-cafe
Sheppard said there are links for both volunteers and those in need of repairs to register in the Environment Lethbridge website as well at http://www.environmentlethbridge.ca
Additional repair cafés will be held in March, June, and September of 2026 and those wishing to participate in those are asked to fill out the form on the Environment Lethbridge website.
Sheppard said the repair café is a hands-on experience for both volunteers and those bringing in the broken items.
“The volunteer we have on hand will be able to fix the items people bring in, but part of that includes showing people how they are repairing them as they go,” said Sheppard. “And for items they are unable to repair on site, they will be able to tell people what the steps will be to get it repaired.”
14-13
I suggest reaching out to Men’s Shed Lethbridge and Coaldale and see if they are able to help out.