In honour of International Men’s Day Nov. 19, Men’s Sheds Manitoba is working to get the word out about the profound impact their groups can have in reducing social isolation, improving mental health, and strengthening community.
A Men’s Shed is a group of men who get together on a regular basis to connect, be it through shared activities (woodworking, gardening, or card games, say), educational guest speakers, or simply a cup of coffee.
There are 14 Sheds currently operating across the province, half in Winnipeg and half in rural Manitoba communities such as Beausejour, Selkirk, and Minnedosa.
They’re hoping to grow that number significantly across the province, says Vic Thiessen, Men’s Sheds Manitoba secretary.
“I’ve been with it since 2019, and I’ve just found it personally to be so beneficial,” he shares. “It’s such a good way for men to connect and support one another.”
Provincial organizers are aiming to raise more awareness about what they’re calling The Shed Effect.
“It’s about making people aware of how Men’s Sheds are impacting society, how it’s impacting individual mens’ lives,” explains Thiessen. “They’re places where you can find community, where you can find men of like mind and do things together.”
Camaraderie is a big part of Men’s Sheds, but so too is getting involved in the community at large.
“One of the big things that we like to do is get involved in giving back to the community. Meaningful projects either put forth by a community centre or another organization that would benefit the community,” Thiessen says, explaining each Shed decides for itself how its members will pour back into the place they call home.
There are Men’s Sheds across Canada, and on Nov. 19 they’ll be coming together to host a national webinar that is open to all.
The day will feature guest speaker presentations on the importance of volunteerism and new research on the social value of Men’s Sheds. There will also be panel discussions on the topic and the debut of a video highlighting volunteer projects from Sheds across the country.
You can register to take part in the webinar at mensshedscanada.ca/the-shed-effect-2025.
Next week will also see open houses at a few of the Manitoba Sheds, including the Woodhaven Shed Nov. 18 and the Park City Shed the following week.
If you’d like to learn more, head to mensshedsmanitoba.ca or connect with Thiessen via email to menshedmanitoba@gmail.com or by calling +1-204-396-2123.
