OSHKOSH, WI – (WISS) – People who have odds and ends that need repairing will find help from a group of volunteer-led “fixers” during the Repair Cafe Oshkosh on Saturday, May 11 from noon until 4 p.m. at the Downtown Oshkosh YMCA.
Michael Borucke says this event provides a sense of community to Oshkosh for both the people who volunteer to do repairs and the people who get items fixed.
“There is something about getting together with other community members in a non-monetary situation,” said Borucke. “You are seeing people helping people, because it makes them feel good. It’s a place where things can happen. You get inspired.”
Borucke says about 15 volunteers help Repair Cafe Oshkosh fix all sorts of things from mending clothing to repairing toasters. He mentioned bicycle repair, jewelry, furniture and even appliances as things that can be repaired for free. Not only do the repairs extend the life of the items, but Borucke says they also keep items out of the landfills.
“There’s also an exchange of knowledge that is happening,” said Borucke. “You can work with someone and then figure out how to fix it the next time it breaks. A lot of community strengthening happens. And it’s really interesting to see. Just for that experience alone, I would suggest people to come check it out.
Who does Repair Cafe Oshkosh help?
He expects about 60 people to come through looking for help on repairing their household items. According to Borucke, even the fixers can be customers.
“Me, myself, I’ve brought in everything from a laundry bag for sewing and a lunchbox,” said Borucke. “It’s interesting how much we don’t realize ‘Oh, Yeah! This needs to be fixed. I put this in the closet for a reason!’ So, I really did haul a bunch of stuff last time.”
All visitors who are seeking repairs will need to sign a waiver, and all work will be done at the Repair Cafe Oshkosh on Saturday afternoon.
Borucke says there have already been three Repair Cafe Oshkosh events. One of his favorite stories from past events involves a toaster that was over 60 years old.
“There was a couple that brought in a toaster – an elderly couple. This toaster was from their wedding. And so this turned out to be from 1955,” said Borucke. “There were fixers that worked on it for hours but were able to fix it.”
Future “fixers” who want to volunteer to be a part of Repair Cafe Oshkosh are encouraged to reach out to Borucke at repaircafeoshkosh@gmail.com.
More Articles
Exploring the consequences of political corruption: A Navy veteran and former congressional candidate reflects on the state of government integrity with Maggie Daun
5/19/2024 | Teri Barr
Maggie Daun, host of The Maggie Daun Show, tackles the question of public trust with Navy veteran, former congressional candidate, and small business owner Tom Palzewicz.
New legislative districts in NW Wisconsin give Dems a better chance in 2024, experts say
5/17/2024 | Hina Suzuki / The Badger Project
A Tyrannosaurus Rex took a big blue bite out of the 73rd Assembly District in Douglas County and spit it into the neighboring district. That’s how some commenters described the change to the 73rd after Republicans redrew it before the 2022 election. The GOP swapped those bluer areas with rural, Republican-leaning parts of Burnett County […]
New, compacted political maps in Marathon County boot long-time legislator from old district
5/17/2024 | Hina Suzuki / The Badger Project
The new maps separated the towns of Schofield and Rothschild from the new 85th District and put them into the 87th.
Oldest UWM Honors College Graduate
5/17/2024
A former Richland Center resident has found herself in a prestigious minority. JoAnne Potter, 72 of Milwaukee, is graduating with a bachelor’s degree at UW-Milwaukee. After living in Richland Center for more than 20 years, JoAnne moved back to Milwaukee in 2020. After getting settled, in 2022 she decided to go back to college to […]
8th Congressional District to have 2 elections on fall ballots
5/17/2024 | Lisa M. Hale
Two elections for the 8th Congressional District will be on the same ballot and the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) is trying to find a way to explain the elections to avoid voter confusion.