On Tuesday the 14th. August 2018 we had the pleasure of a visit from Doug Mackie the founder of the first Men’s Shed in North America, the Woodhaven Men’s Shed in Winnipeg.
Over breakfast Doug (with the white moustache) filled us in on what is happening with Men’s Sheds in Canada and around the World.
Then we took Doug to see our project at the local Transition Housing garden. The produce goes directly to the kitchen. We derive a great deal of pride and joy from this project and it gives us credibility with our allies as we develop our Shed.
Then we took him for a ride on the miniature trains at Burnaby Central Railway. Well worth a visit for young and old. The steam trains built by the members are fabulous and a ride on the approximate 2 miles of track through the park is always a thrill. A jewel in North Burnaby.
I lived in Coquitlam for 35 years and had never heard of thhe shed. after my wife passed away last July I was becoming a bit depressed and my son, who lives in Kelowna, suggested my relocation to his city instead of his driving to Coquitlam to sort me out. I read about The Kelowna Men’s Shed in a local seniors paper, dropped in the next day and joined on the spot. Now I have a wonderful connection with other guys and am enjoying my own project making Shaker cabinet doors as well as helping other men with their work and just enjoying the company. It has been wonderful to laugh again. Today we went to the wine festival in Oliver to spread the word and set up our trailer, nearly froze our buts off in the cold rain but helped a lot of kids build boat kits and to spread the good word.
Keep up the good work and I hear that there is another Shed group organizing. i wish that I had known you existed when I lived there.
Sincerely,
Russ Mitchell
Thanks for your comments Russ. We wish you had known about us as well. As you noted we are in the process of developing the Shed in Coquitlam, at the moment we have a small group of dedicated members who help with the vegitable garden at the local transition house and a few other small projects in the community. Our lack of a home base has prevented us from making a lot of noise but men continue to find us. In the meantime we meet at 10am every Tuesday morning at the Sun Star restaurant on Lougheed highway and at a members garage on a Friday (where we consume tea and occasionally butcher some wood). We may be close to establishing a home, more to follow. Thanks again. Mike.