Simply put, a Men’s Shed is a group of men who get together in their community to develop new skills, discover new interests, and make new friends. But it’s so much more than that. For many men, aging and retirement can lead to loneliness and a loss of purpose; and that’s where Men’s Sheds come in.
Symbolic of that backyard workshop where men share stories and tinker with woodworking or electronics, a Men’s Shed is grounded in the idea that men communicate more effectively when they’re “shoulder to shoulder” with other men.
As health concerns related to social isolation and depression are often unrecognized, and men can be reluctant to seek help, Men’s Sheds have a vital role to play in fostering emotional well-being and transformative, fulfilling relationships for men in their retirement years.
Shed members cross age, culture, and socioeconomic status, and no two Sheds are quite alike. Some Shedders gather in a workshop to build and fix things. Others focus on hiking or gardening or cooking. Most team up with local organizations to do special projects that support their community.
But what all Sheds have in common is a welcoming environment where men create shared experiences, celebrate accomplishments, and build community.
Learn more
SHED NEWS & EVENTS
- Canada Day is here!
Look for the Okanagan Mens Shed kiosk in the Family Zone from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM.
The children are invited to build a small paddle boat and members of the Mens Shed will be on hand to help with tools and tips!
You can help cover the cost of materials for the boat kits here: Canada Day Boat Kits
There are a limited number of bird houses available: Bird House
- Events Celebrate Canada Day Kelowna
“Celebrate Canada Day – Kelowna” is an annual, free, community festival held at multiple locations along our lakefront and in the Cultural District. It is produced through collaboration between Festivals Kelowna, Folkfest, the Kelowna City Band, and many other community organizations.Volunteers from the Okanagan Men’s Shed will be on hand to teach basic woodworking skills to the children. Parents are encouraged to participate in this fun activity! Look for the Mens Shed kiosk at Waterfront Park from 10:00 until 3:30 PM.
Admiring the completed paddle boat (Canada Day 2025)
Learn more about the Mens Shed community
- 2025: A Year of Connection, Community and Impact
As 2025 draws to a close, we’re proud to reflect on a year filled with energy, engagement and meaningful connections.
This year saw community connection in action. Our local Okanagan Men’s Shed volunteers were a visible presence at community events — from the YMCA Cycle for Strong Kids to the CSN Collision Fathers Day Car Show, helping raise funds for local causes.
Canada Day was a standout celebration. More than 150 children and parents built paddle boats with the help of our Men’s Shed volunteers, bringing families together and showcasing the spirit of creativity and collaboration.
Throughout the year, Shed members continued to share their time and talents to support our community. From building flower boxes for the Kelowna Riding Academy and building a new walkway at Chartwell Chatsworth to weekly gatherings that foster friendship, skill-sharing, and a sense of purpose.
On the national stage, Men’s Sheds Canada’s “The Shed Effect” campaign marked International Men’s Day with a national webinar and local open-shed events highlighting how Sheds strengthen wellbeing and civic engagement across communities.
None of this would be possible without the continued support of our community partners, volunteers, sponsors and local organizations. Your dedication amplifies the positive effect of Men’s Sheds — reducing isolation, building skills, and fostering purpose for men of all ages.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, contributed, and shared in the work of building stronger, healthier communities in 2025. Here’s to connecting and making an even greater impact in 2026.
Join our team of Community Supporters
Yes, the Mens Shed operates on a shoestring budget so any financial support is welcome! If you wish to buy the members a coffee click here.
Every $ we receive will be used to offset our expenses, which includes coffee and tea when you visit the Barn (our workshop).
… more Shed News