July 6, 2023 – When Andy Tamas, a member of the Arnprior-McNab-Braeside Men’s Shed, learned about the devastating wildfires in Nova Scotia, he checked in on a former local Men’s Shed member, Denis St. Pierre, who had recently moved from the Arnprior area to Nova Scotia to be closer to family.

“Denis shared with me that his daughter’s home had burned to the ground in the fires and that he was looking for design plans to build a rocking horse to replace the one his granddaughter lost in the fire,” explained Andy. “I told him I would let the guys at the Shed know and asked if his grandchildren might like to receive a few wooden toys, which I had been making for a while.”

Denis liked the idea, so Andy shipped the toys to Denis’ granddaughters.  When the toys arrived, Denis thanked him and shared that his granddaughters, Josie and Eloise, loved them.

“Denis mentioned that many other families in Nova Scotia had lost their homes in the fires and would benefit from the wooden toys. The one problem was the shipping costs,” said Andy, who has been a member of The Men’s Shed for two years.

Andy wondered if the toy project was an opportunity for Men’s Sheds across Canada to collaborate to support the numerous families who lost their homes to wildfires across several provinces.

Andy shared: “When we reached out to Men’s Sheds Canada, they agreed this was an initiative worth pursuing for several reasons: to be of service to communities in need, the potential benefit to families whose homes had gone up in smoke, and to generate better awareness of how the Men’s Shed movement is part of the solution to the country’s inadequate policy framework and programs addressing social and health-related needs of older men.”

Robert Goluch, President of Men’s Shed Canada, said: “Every child deserves a sense of joy and normalcy, especially in the face of adversity. Men’s Sheds believe in making a positive impact in the lives of children where homes have been devastated by fire. We hope these toys provide a glimmer of hope and happiness during challenging times.”

The Men’s Shed and Lions Club members with the toys ready to be shipped to kids affected by the wildfires in Nova Scotia.

Back home, the Arnprior Lion’s Club began working with the local Men’s Shed to support the transportation and distribution of the toys via the St. Margarets Toy Library in Nova Scotia. By the end of June, the Arnprior-McNab-Braeside Men’s Shed had produced dozens of toys ready to ship out to Nova Scotia, and the Squamish Men’s Shed committed to providing 50 toy locomotive kits as well as marble runs for distribution in both eastern and western Canada.

“The Arnprior Lions Club is very proud to work with the Arnprior-McNab-Braeside Men’s Shed on this amazing project,” shared Don Gougeon, Secretary, Arnprior Lions Club. “The members of the Men’s Shed have used their talents to create these wonderful toys for wildfire survivors in Nova Scotia. We were honoured to be asked to help by shipping the toys to the St. Margarets Bay Toy Library. We hope these toys bring pleasure to these children who have lost so much.”

Jill Crowe, Secretary, St. Margarets Bay Toy Library, echoed the Men’s Shed efforts’ impact: “Toys made with such love and care are so special to our children. Many children lost their favourite toys, and these new handmade ones will bring them comfort and help them begin the healing process by making happy memories. Thanks for all the hard work that was put into this. Our children are lucky so many wonderful people across the country have stepped up to help. We are forever grateful.”

Andy explained that the Men’s Sheds’ efforts have just begun: “Our toy story continues to develop and build momentum, and we hope to bring more Men’s Sheds on board to reach more families who have lost their homes to the wildfires.”

The Arnprior-McNab-Braeside Men’s Shed opened its doors in 2018 as an Arnprior Regional Health community program. It is a place where senior men connect to their community through social interaction and woodworking projects.

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About Arnprior Regional Health

Arnprior Regional Health (ARH) is a progressive 140-bed organization with a fully accredited community hospital, nursing home, primary health care centre, and extensive community programs. ARH is a regional hub with a strong history of providing exemplary care to West Ottawa, McNab/Braeside, Arnprior, and Mississippi Mills residents. As your partner in health, ARH commits to listening and responding to those we serve to create a thriving community together.

Media contact:

Melissa McDermott

Communications Manager

[email protected]