Watch Story of Two Knapsacks.
What kind of items do you fix?
I do all kind of alteration for clothing, bags, toys and even sometimes shoes.
When did you first start volunteering with Repair Café Toronto?
I don’t exactly remember when but for sure more than 5 years ago.
What is your day job?
Volunteering and teaching sewing at different organizations.
What is your favourite location?
Reference Library is the most relaxing place, large space and friendly environment.
Do you have a favourite quote?
Don’t toss your stuff as everything can be fixed or can be used for something else.
Why did you start getting interested in repairing things?
My nature is to help people in any way and I was looking for a volunteering opportunity. Then I saw an advertisement on the newspaper about Repair Café and I contacted them. So here I am 5 years later.
How did you learn your skills?
I got a course in sewing, but I learned the fine details from my mother. Since then I have been very interested in any kinds of work done by hand, such as quilting and embroidery. But what I like the most is alteration.
What does it mean to you to volunteer at Repair Café Toronto?
A way to help the community. It gives me gratification especially when I see the happiness on someone’s face.
What is the most memorable item you have fixed?
Changing and fixing a zipper in a different way and the visitor loved it. Also having a jacket mended so perfectly that you couldn’t even see the rip at all.
Why should people get involved with Repair Café Toronto?
It is very nice to support each other in a caring environment, mostly in this difficult time during the pandemic.
Where you see Repair Café Toronto in five years?
I am sure it will expand and hopefully it will come to my neighbourhood as well.