It happens to everyone. An item you rely on breaks without warning, and somehow, always at the worst time. The ‘stuffie’ that your child can’t (won’t) sleep without is missing a leg, its stuffing is everywhere, and it’s bedtime- uh oh. You could probably find a similar, newer item online, delivered by morning. However, the Tool Library in Buffalo runs a program that absolves us of the obligation to replace our things, and in doing so, teaches us the skills to maintain our most beloved items.
“Dare to Repair Cafe” aims to “reduce waste by connecting those with a need to those with the know-how.” Volunteers of varied backgrounds offer their time and expertise, showing locals how to repair their cherished items at no cost. In exchange, they receive free advertising (small business owners, we see you!) and the opportunity to build relationships while showcasing their skills. Not only do consumers save money, but they get to meet their local stuffie surgeon and learn a stitch or two!
Luckily, East Aurora is home to a thriving, close-knit, well-rounded community- this is where you come in!
ACES is working to partner with the Town of Aurora’s Climate Smart Community Task Force, and Hephaestus Mechanica in EA, to host a Dare to Repair Cafe event right here in the village, in 2025! We are looking for volunteers to share their time, tools, and expertise. If you enjoy sewing, tinkering with machines, woodworking, programming, or any other skill that could help divert goods from the dump, please reach out!
In classic EA fashion, we’re going to put the “cafe” in “Repair Cafe!” Volunteers and visitors can expect drinks, snacks, and good company. Members of ACES carry the same warmth and camaraderie of our annual summertime zero-waste picnic into these colder months- what better way to do so than meeting at a local shop to fix what’s broken and celebrate over some warm, home-mulled cider (in a reusable cup)?
If you are an interested volunteer, please email CharlotteVonAdler@gmail.com.For more background info on Dare to Repair Cafes, visit https://thetoollibrary.org/daretorepair/ or follow @TheToolLibrary on social media.
-By Charlotte Von Adler
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