Coquitlam Men’s Shed celebrates 10 years !

Ten years ago, I had no idea what I would do. I was about to retire to my small apartment overlooking Blue Mountain Park, and I was sure I’d be climbing the walls before long. I couldn’t imagine surviving even a year, let alone ten, living alone.

Then I discovered Men’s Sheds—and more importantly, Doug Mackie encouraged me to start one in Coquitlam. I did, and today, we celebrated our 10th anniversary.

At first, the appeal was access to a creative space at a reasonable cost. But I quickly realized that Men’s Sheds are about far more than that. They’re about men’s health and wellbeing, reducing isolation and loneliness—an antidote to depression and PTSD. They offer a place where it’s easy to make friends, a place where you feel like you belong. That, I believe, is the secret sauce. It was exactly what I needed.

Men’s Sheds don’t offer therapy or counselling, but they are therapeutic. It’s a group of men on a journey together, forming friendships naturally. I remember Doug once said, “Funny thing, but I seem to drink less Scotch since I joined the Shed.” It’s small things like that which make a big difference.

In 2019, with the help of Mayor Richard Stewart, the support of City Councillors, and the generosity of the Red Door Housing Society, the Coquitlam Men’s Shed really took off when we found a home on Norman Avenue. That space was soon transformed into a well-equipped, well-used woodworking shop.

Doug noticed his friend Farley was struggling. Farley had lost his mother and was isolating himself, not working, and deep in grief. Doug talked to him about the Shed, but Farley wasn’t ready. He did seek professional help, which enabled him to leave the house, and he chose to come to the shed, where he was made welcome. Since then, Farley has continued to grow from strength to strength. It was wonderful to see him at our anniversary celebration.

Little things make a big difference. Just before Christmas, Rob was feeling overwhelmed. He had taken on too much, trying to make gifts for his grandchildren. It was clear he wouldn’t finish in time. That’s when Stan, Doug 2, and Cal stepped in and took the load off his shoulders. Rob still chokes up when he tells this story. Today, over 150 of us celebrated 10 years of making a difference that matters in big ways.

We were honoured to welcome our guests: Mayor Richard Stewart, Councillors Towner and Djonlic, Doug Mackie, from Winnipeg, who brought Men’s Sheds to North America nearly 20 years ago. Also present were Robert Goluch, President, Men’s Sheds Canada, Audry Fennema, Board Member, MSC, Barbara McMillan, Team Member, MSC and Jan Fennema, President, Men’s Shed Association of BC.

 Mike Jennings is a founder-member of the Men’s Sheds in the Tricities.

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