We have amazing people in the Repair Cafe Wales Family
As part of a series on getting to know our volunteers, we’ve set a series of questions and our amazing volunteers have answered them ‘virtually’ for us.
Next up in the series is our Ambassador, Steve
Q. What is your name, when did you start volunteering with Repair Cafe Wales and in what capacity (role / skill)?
A. I am Steven Iwanski and I use my skills as an Accountant to perform the role of Finance Ambassador at Repair Cafe Wales.
Q. Why did you decide to volunteer with Repair Cafe Wales?
A. I had been interested in the work and ethos of Repair Cafe Wales for some time but wasn’t sure how I could contribute (mostly because I am a lot better at breaking things than fixing them!). Once I became aware of a finance based voluntary position available, I was very keen to be a part of it.
Q. What do you like best about Repair Cafe Wales?
A. The people that I’ve met while being involved at Repair Cafe Wales all share a huge passion and pride for the values and the activities that take place which makes it a very friendly community to be a part of.
Q. What is your favourite part of volunteering with us?
A. I like that I am able to use my experience and knowledge to assist, and the feeling that it contributes to helping Repair Cafe Wales to achieve its mission and vision.
Q. What do you think the repair café events do for the community?
A. The impact on the community is huge. It has been a difficult time for a lot of people and the growing presence of repair cafés means they are a hub for people to meet, make friends and also save money by getting items fixed rather than having to buy new!
Q. Have you gained any skills from the experience?
A. This is my first real involvement in a community interest group so every task that I am involved with feels like I am learning new things and making a positive contribution. The ambition of Repair Cafe Wales means that there are always new things to learn and I am confident that I will constantly be learning!
Q. How does volunteering with Repair Cafe Wales make you feel?
A. I am very proud to have been given the opportunity to be a part of Repair Cafe Wales. Whilst I have absolutely no skills in volunteering as a fixer, I am glad that I am able to use the abilities that I use everyday in my job, in order to help Repair Cafe Wales to help as many people as possible.
Q. Would you recommend volunteering for Repair Cafe Wales? Why?
A. 100%. Re-using and upcycling has grown massively in recent years and I think will continue to do so – I really look forward to watching Repair Cafe Wales grow and flourish, and am delighted to be a part of it!
