On November 19, International Men’s Day, we celebrated how Men’s Sheds contribute to their communities through volunteer projects, mentorship, and collaboration with local organizations. We call this impact The Shed Effect.
Keynote speaker Dr. Megan Conway, President & CEO of Volunteer Canada, spoke on the changing nature of volunteerism in Canada, and the important role Men’s Sheds can play in supporting their communities.
Our panel of community partners discussed a range of issues related to Men’s Sheds, emphasizing their dual role in contributing to communities while also fostering a sense of connection and purpose among the men who belong to them. Our heartfelt thanks to Karen McDonald, Executive Director, Sage Seniors Association, Connie Newman, Executive Director, Manitoba Association of Senior Communities, Sarrah Storey, Mayor, Village of Fraser Lake, and Dr. Raza Mirza, Chief Operation Officer, HelpAge Canada, and Assistant Professor, University of Toronto Institute for Life Course and Aging.
We also premiered a new video featuring volunteer projects submitted by Sheds across Canada. These provide firsthand testimony to the power of Sheds for individual members and their communities. You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/kSg8Fu_H3Us?si=fFNVu4nXbpw-Wq0b