Whether it’s a broken bike, projector or even an iPad, SIRCH Repair Café volunteer Andrew Ablett believes he can find a way to fix it. A former auto mechanic, Andrew left the GTA a few years ago for a quieter life in the Haliburton area. He now runs his own property maintenance company while he and his wife raise a young family. We spoke with Andrew just after he finished repairing a broken printer.

Can you tell us about the repair you just completed?

One of our visitors brought in a printer that was jammed. I took it apart and discovered that the felt guide for the printer head had dislodged. I was able to get that piece back into place. We put the printer back together and tested it by printing off some pages. Now it works fine.

What is the approach that you take to fixing things?

The more difficult the challenge, the more I like it. I guess I am a bit obsessive that way — when I take something apart, I am focused on understanding how it works and putting it back together. I don’t have a photographic memory but when I disassemble something I can typically recall exactly where things go. Some of that skill comes from multi-tasking as an auto mechanic.

What are your biggest challenges as a fixer?

Some manufacturers make it hard or impossible to fix their products. They’d prefer you throw something out and buy a new one. Some products have a built-in shelf life – for example a cell phone with a limited life on its software and battery. I found the same thing as a mechanic. My work used to be more hands on, but the automakers now control the repair process more through computer systems. Some repairs are delayed for days waiting for a computer update.

How did you find out about the Repair Café?

From a friend in Haliburton. After moving here, I wanted to be part of the community, and to give back. Volunteering at SIRCH is a great way to do that.

In his first year as a volunteer at the SIRCH Repair Café, Andrew and his fellow fixers and other volunteers have completed more than 500 repairs to items such as electronics, furniture, jewelry, ceramics, clothing, small appliances and more. Sometimes it’s a cherished keepsake like a grandmother’s teacup. Or a functional device like a computer printer. Always, Andrew and the SIRCH team give a new lease on life to broken things, and help the environment by keeping them out of the landfill.

Toss it? No way!

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Visitors to the Repair Cafe who have their items fixed are asked to make a donation to support SIRCH Community Services’ good works in the Haliburton area. For more information on SIRCH, please visit: http://www.sirch.on.ca