The Arnprior-McNab-Braeside Men’s Shed, and Arnprior Regional Health are parting company after enjoying a mutually-satisfactory relationship since the inception of the Men’s Shed under the Seniors Active Living Centre umbrella back in 2019.
Co-host of the Men’s Shed Gary McBurney explains.
McBurney says the structural independence will allow greater possibilities for the Men’s Shed to serve the community.
He says the existing association between the Men’s Shed and the Hospital was likely unique in Canada.
September 28th seemed like the last day the Men’s Shed could meet at its former site on Neiman Drive, but under the transitional arrangement we’ve been discussing, that’s been extended a further six months.
While we already know about the manual dexterity of the group, McBurney says there are some pretty active minds working on the paperwork required for the transition.
A big requirement will be the acquisition of charitable status.
McBurney says while the Men’s Shed has been homeless, participants have been working on their own at home on their projects, and meeting as a group twice weekly for discussions.
The Men’s Shed co-host says the group will reoccupy the Neiman Drive site on a temporary basis while its structural transition occurs.
McBurney knows the community is looking forward to the Men’s Shed Christmas Craft Sale in the not-too-distant future.
The transition from the SALC umbrella officially occurs November 1st.
By Rick Stow