What started as an idea among a few men in Swan River, Manitoba, has quickly gained momentum. Their new Valley Park Men’s Shed is already easing isolation, building camaraderie, and showing how even small beginnings can spark real change in the community. Here’s an update from Shed founder Perry Nash:
I hope this letter finds you in good cheers. I wanted to touch base with you and let you know how our small and emerging shed is already making differences in our community and supporting Mens’ s health and wellness.
So far, we are helping 7 men who were otherwise and pretty much out of touch with everything that makes life joyful. Until I started getting some men together that I knew were suffering, we were all suffering some “alone” condition, due to not having spouses, kids gone and living their own lives, friends either gone or non-existent; all of the things that lead to mental unwellness.
I suspected that some camaraderie was needed, and some activity that interested a few of us. We began discussing Men’s Sheds and the idea kept growing. So far, we are making a difference to each other, in our community. Maybe small things, but nevertheless, there are some smiles generated. We have been invited to some events in our town, Swan River, Manitoba, to help out with Mass Registrations upcoming in a couple of weeks (Sept) and another in Feb 2026, at a community supports event where we will showcase our little shed and attract some more members perhaps and show people what we can do in our community.
Sometimes all it takes is a spark — and a Shed — to change lives. Thank you Perry!
