The Kamloops District Men’s Shed is grateful for receiving a Community Connections Micro-grant from Men’s Sheds Canada. The grant will support an ongoing collaboration with Kamloops Society for People In Motion, funding ground cleanup and beautification work at their new location, public BBQ events, and outreach infrastructure for KDMS.

A highlight of the grant project is KDMS’s newly branded cargo trailer, now displaying logos for both KDMS and People In Motion. The trailer will serve as a mobile ambassador at community events throughout the year — helping raise awareness of Men’s Shed programs and grow membership.

Members of the Kamloops District Men’s Shed travelled to Chase in January 2026 to share their experience starting and running a Men’s Shed. The presentation resonated — what began with nine interested men quickly grew to 17 signed-up members with a workshop secured.

The Chase Men’s Shed is now part of the BC Men’s Shed network. KDMS is proud to have helped another community get started.

Tools for the Vernon She Shed Society

Recently, Kamloops District Men’s Shed was fortunate to receive a donation of tools, especially hand tools, from the Thompson Rivers University School of Trades and Technology. Shed members quickly got to work to sort and organize them, yet despite our ambitions we found ourselves with an over-abundance. However, due to the networking efforts of our shed members and the sense of mutual support between BC sheds, there was soon an opportunity to pay it forward by re-donating some of the tools to the Vernon She-Shed. Vice-President of the Vernon She-Shed, Deb Chursinoff, accepted the tools on behalf of her shed from KDMS board members.

An antique mirror dating from 1860 was brought to KDMS by member Hubert Plante. The mirror’s ornate frame required significant repair work after decades of storage.

Director Les Eliason took on the restoration. The most complex aspect of the repair involved manufacturing new moldings to precisely match the original design.

KDMS partnered with RiverBend Seniors Community to refurbish nine exterior mahogany benches for their residents. The project involved refinishing, reassembly, and on-site installation — helping create welcoming outdoor spaces where seniors can enjoy fresh air and community.

KDMS members assisted the 2nd Kamara Rangers (Guides) with their year-end camp activity by preparing four bat nursery kits. Members went the extra-mile, preparing assembly videos to ensure a successful project for the Guides.

The Guides assembled the nurseries, conducted a bat count, and used a bat detector to identify the different species in the area.