It’s a way for men to spend their time, socialize, and keep themselves at home, longer.
The Arnprior-McNab-Braeside Men’s Shed is a local organization that looks to make sure senior men stay out of the hospital and at home longer.
They do woodwork and give back to the community in a multitude of ways, and Darrel O’Shaughnessy, Founder of the Arnprior-McNab-Braeside branch has made that their primary goal.
Since 2018, the organization has been doing this and it has proven successful many times over again.
O’Shaughnessy says lives have been saved, lives have been changed, all through the social group.
Running the group does come at a cost. Utilities, equipment, resources and more all take money to keep up with, and that’s one of the many reasons O’Shaughnessy says why their annual Christmas Sale is happening.
The Christmas Craft Sale is happening this Sunday, November 15th at the Nick Smith Centre, with a wide variety of items from gifts to decorations, food and more. Really, something for everyone. The event runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
On top of everything, they’ll also have gently used tools for sale. Over the years tools arrive, but never leave and end up being surplus.
Come on out, browse and see what they have to offer. Even if you’re not planning on buying anything, they’re just happy to meet someone new and have the conversation.
If you can’t make it out on the weekend, they’re always happy for visitors at their main building as well.
They open every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. until approximately noon.
They’re located at 832 River Road in McNab/Braeside but have members coming from Ottawa, Renfrew and beyond.
And as O’Shaughnessy tells us, the members at the Men’s Shed are extremely happy to be able to use their free time to give back.
For more information, visit the Arnprior-McNab-Braeside Men’s Shed website or come on out on November 15th.
(Written by: Bob Kubbinga)