Men’s Sheds: Making a Positive Impact

Men’s Sheds are creating meaningful change—not just for the men who take part, but also for their families and communities. Discover the difference they’re making through inspiring Shed stories and profiles of Alberta Shedders.

Men’s Sheds: Making a Positive Impact
Men’s Sheds are creating meaningful change—not just for the men who take part, but also for their families and communities. Discover the difference they’re making through inspiring Shed stories and profiles of Alberta Shedders.

Bill Diprose - The Shed – More Than Just Projects

We started our Men's Shed about five years ago with a government grant of $14,000, which helped us renovate, buy tools, and get the place running. Back then, it felt like we were building a workshop.

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Brent Collins – Finding a New Direction at the Olds Men's Shed

I entered the Olds Men's Shed right at the beginning when it started taking shape. A few of my friends who were already involved asked me to join, and before long, I found myself helping on the steering committee and acting as a board member. Honestly, it couldn't have come at a better time.

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Brian Christiansen

My name is Brian Christiansen. I'm 76 years old, and the Men’s Shed is what kept me going these past few years. I spent my entire life in sales, often out of town every other week.

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Brian Wright - Remembering Who I Am at the Men’s Shed

Coming to the Men’s Shed has been a blessing in my life. I’ve been living with dementia for the past two years, and it’s been a lonely road trying to face it on my own. But here, at the Shed, I don’t feel alone. I feel like I belong.

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David St. James – Men’s Shed, Grande Prairie

When I first discovered the Men's Shed, my life was in a very dark place. I was struggling with social anxiety, depression, and stress, and I rarely left my home. Meeting people was incredibly challenging for me, and I didn't have any friends. My family encouraged me to get out more, but I just couldn't find the courage.

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Doug Taylor – Building a Place Where Men Can Be Themselves

It began simply enough with just a few of us grabbing coffee, meeting outside during the pandemic, and trying to stay connected in an increasingly disconnected world. For me, it was part of a bigger journey.

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Jack Martin - Finally Living Out Loud at the Men’s Shed

I’ve been with the Grande Prairie Men’s Shed for about eight months, but the story that brought me here started long before that.

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Laurie Kontek - In Honor of My Dad

I started coming to the Camrose Men's Shed in December 2024, but the real story began long before that with my dad. He had been a proud member of the Shed for several years, long before his cancer diagnosis.

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Merv Graham – The Bike Shed That Builds More Than Bikes

When I started the Bike Shed in Calgary, I didn't know how far it would go. It was before the pandemic, and I searched for purpose like many others. A friend, Gina, had been giving bikes to Syrian refugee families, and I thought there was something more we could do.

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Radar - Finding My Way Back at the Men's Shed (Cochrane & Water Valley)

My name's Radar. I'm a veteran. I'm also a third-generation welder and pipeline worker, and now, I am part of two men's sheds, one in Cochrane and one in Water Valley.

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Richard Nasedkin – Grande Prairie

My name is Richard Nasedkin, and at 57, I've journeyed through four careers, each chapter shaped by my pursuit of purpose and understanding. Born and raised in Fairview, I began as a photographer with a small studio in the '80s.

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Riley Tookey - Strathcona County Men’s Shed

When I first moved to Strathcona County, I didn’t know anyone. I figured the best way to meet people was to get involved. My brother, who lives in New Zealand, told me about the Men’s Shed he belonged to and something about it just clicked. It made perfect sense.

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