Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

KAMLOOPS DISTRICT MEN'S SHED

Kamloops District Men’s Shed building camaraderie, community projects

Jan 8, 2025 | 7:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Men’s Sheds are becoming an increasingly popular way for men to stay active, maintain their social lives and give back to the community. The movement was launched in the 1990s in South Australia by a woman who wanted her father to get out of the house more. Since then, it’s grown to 3,800 chapters in 18 different countries.

The Kamloops District Men’s Shed was formed just last year. Shortly after it got started, the Kamloops Centre for Seniors Information invited the Men’s Shed to renovate and take over the shop room at the new Seniors Community Centre on Cottonwood Avenue. The group’s 35 members have been busy using donations to work on projects around Kamloops.

Most mornings by 9:00 a.m. machines are running and the shop is open at the Kamloops District Men’s Shed.

“We’ve been going for a year. The first month in, we had 17 members sign up and we’re at about 35 right now,” explains Gerry Hennings, the chair of the Kamloops District Men’s Shed.

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Premier Eby is still out of touch with the people

2h ago

1000 Ways to Heal

1000 Ways to Heal: Secwepemcul'ew

Jan 06, 2025

Question of the Week

Are you happy with the way Justin Trudeau is resigning and proroguing parliament to clear the way for a new leader?

Jan 06, 2025

It’s a simple concept — members of the Men’s Shed come into the shop as often as they like to socialize, create or repair things for fun, or for the community’s benefit.

“We had a lady bring in a 130-year-old rocking chair last month to refinish. It had two coats of white paint on it so we stripped it right down to bare wood and refinished it and gave it back to her and she was ecstatic. She was giving it to her mom for Christmas. It was her mom’s,” explains Hennings. “That’s the kind of projects we do. People walk through the door and say, ‘Can you do this? Can you do that?'”

The non-profit is made up of a blend of retired and middle-aged members. Skills range from minimal experience to retired shop teachers or tradesmen.

“I know just from talking to people in the community, there are a lot of people in the community who are very supportive of the Men’s Shed once they realize what we’re about, be it donating tools or wood or participating,” says Vice-Chair Steven Schenkeveld. “That’s how we gain a lot of our membership, just making those connections.”

Some Men’s Shed projects can already be seen around the city. Along with furniture repairs, the group built a new ramp for the Farmer’s Market this summer.

“It was largely about men’s health, but also giving back to the community and volunteering, somewhat in that sense. And I enjoy doing that as a give-back,” says Schenkeveld.

Summertime was busier with more projects outside of the shop and so far this winter, the Men’s Shed has been focusing on smaller, indoor work. Heading into its second year of operations, the plan is to keep taking requests and donations to help out where the participants can.

“We’re always looking for projects. We’ve got a few on the board that we can’t do until spring now. We just want to stay alive and functional,” reiterates Hennings.

Kamloops District Men’s Shed is also on the lookout for more members. It costs $100 annually to join, and shop time is available most mornings and afternoons, with flexibility to come in over the weekends or evening. And there are no strict attendance expectations.

“There’s still a place for you here at the shed if you want to participate — be it part-time or anywhere in between part-time or full-time, we’re happy to have people,” adds Schenkeveld.

People interested in joining the Men’s Shed, asking for help with a project or making a donation can go to the organization’s website, kdms.org.