The Kiwanis Club of Saugerties was pleased to welcome Linda Armour, Coordinator of Repair Cafe Saugerties, as our guest speaker at our recent meeting.

Linda introduced members to the growing worldwide Repair Café movement, which began in 2009 in the Netherlands with a simple but meaningful idea: bring people together to repair broken items, teach valuable skills, reduce waste, and keep usable belongings out of landfills. Today, more than 4,000 Repair Cafés operate around the world, with the Hudson Valley now home to approximately 90 locations.

Repair Cafe Saugerties holds three events each year at the Saugerties Senior Center, where skilled volunteer “fixers” donate their time and talents to help community members repair a wide range of items. From lamps and small electrical appliances to jewelry, guitars, clothing, bicycles, furniture, and sewing machines, the Repair Café gives treasured items a second life while passing along practical repair knowledge to others.

Linda explained that the organization’s goal goes beyond simply fixing objects—it is about teaching guests how repairs are made so those skills can be shared and preserved for future generations. The Repair Café also benefits from the generosity of local businesses, including Smith Hardware, which often provides supplies and assistance.

As Repair Cafe Saugerties continues to grow, additional volunteers are always needed. Whether you have experience repairing items, are interested in learning skills such as zipper repair, or would like to help welcome and guide visitors during events, there are many ways to get involved.

The Kiwanis Club of Saugerties thanks Linda Armour for sharing the remarkable story of Repair Cafe Saugerties and for helping our community embrace the values of sustainability, education, and neighbors helping neighbors.

More info at https://www.repaircafehv.org/saugerties