They’re in the shed, providing vital connections
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From musician to real estate agent to volunteer, Brian McMillan has done a lot in his life.
“I always joke around that the only thing I was trained to do was be a rock star and when that didn’t work out I had to explore other options,” he says.
The 73-year-old played guitar in a touring rock band in his early 20s before deciding life on the road wasn’t for him.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
Brian McMillan (left), James Turnbull and Richard Lockhart are among the 115 members of Westhaven Men’s Shed. Based in Westwood Community Church, it is part of a worldwide network.He became a real estate agent for seven years, started a family and then gave up selling homes to start two businesses: Prairie Studio Glass and Home Instead Senior Care. In recent years, he’s returned to selling real estate.
He’s also a member at Woodhaven Men’s Shed, where he volunteers his time chairing the group’s board of directors. The organization is part of a worldwide network of groups that give men an opportunity to socialize.
More than 115 men between the ages of 50 and 95 belong to the Woodhaven Men’s Shed. Members gather every Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon at Westwood Community Church, at 401 Westwood Dr.
The group is inviting the public to the church on Nov. 18, for a senior men’s health fair.
The free event starts at 11:30 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m., and will feature exhibits and presentations related to men’s physical and mental health, as well as aging in place and seniors housing. All are welcome to attend.
The men’s shed movement originated in Australia 30 or 40 years ago as a way to improve the health and well-being of older men. The idea was that men have an easier time socializing with other men when they’re working on a project together side by side.
Founded in 2009, the Woodhaven group was the first men’s shed organization in Canada. Today, there are more than 170 groups across the country.
When the Woodhaven group meets, there’s usually a few activities on the go. Some members play cribbage, some make art and others bring their instruments and jam.
Volunteer opportunities
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
The Santa Claus Parade needs volunteers for ‘no feet on the street’ safety elf positions. Apply at wfp.to/iXo by the day of the event, Saturday.
NorWest Co-op Community Health needs volunteers who enjoy working with infants, children and parents/caregivers as Baby Steps program assistants. They help with food preparation, activity setup and child-minding, helping to ensure a positive experience for participants. Volunteers must be available Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., for setup and cleanup. Apply at wfp.to/Wnz by Nov. 28.
Apathy is Boring needs people ages 18 to 30 for Winnipeg RISE. The program provides training, resources and funding to help youth in designing and leading a community project. No experience is required. Apply at wfp.to/imR by Nov. 30.
Jewish Child & Family Service needs English group leaders for its settlement services program. The leaders will lead a speakers group focusing on teaching newcomers English in an informal setting. The volunteer should be experienced in working with groups and comfortable running different topics of conversation. Classes are once per week. Volunteers must be fluent in English — and patient, caring and compassionate. Experience leading a group of adults is an asset but not required. Volunteers must be able to commit to a weekly 1.5-hour shift for six weeks. Apply at wfp.to/iXz by Feb. 14.
Deer Lodge Centre needs entrance greeters to welcome visitors, and provide information and directions. Volunteers must be able to push wheelchairs and escort residents and visitors to their destinations. They should be friendly and outgoing, with good customer service skills and the ability to problem solve and work independently. Shifts are 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., or 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Apply at wfp.to/Aku by Jan. 30.
B’nai Brith Canada needs a social-media volunteer for its Kavod Thrift Store. Responsibilities include creating engaging content for Instagram and Facebook, promoting the store’s pages, and collaborating with staff members and volunteers. Candidates should be skilled in graphic design tools such as Adobe and Canva and have experience in social-media advertising and content creation. The role offers skills in graphic design, teamwork, communication and time management, which are beneficial for future career paths. Apply online at wfp.to/iXf, or to AvivaT@bnaibrith.ca and NoaK@bnaibrith.ca, by Nov. 30.
The Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope needs volunteers who enjoy driving — and chatting. Volunteers in Winnipeg transport people who need help getting to and from life-saving cancer treatments and other appointments. Mileage reimbursement or a tax receipt is provided. Go to wfp.to/iJ8 and select Winnipeg for more information, or email volunteer@cancer.ca by Nov. 30.
The Canadian Red Cross Society needs volunteers in Manitoba for programs such as Smart Start and Disaster Risk Reduction. These roles involve leading sessions on climate change and emergency preparedness, and require effective communication skills and cultural sensitivity. Volunteers might also join the emergency responder and personal disaster assistance teams to help during disasters. Training and background checks are mandatory. This opportunity offers experience in public speaking and crisis management. Send a resumé to SmartStart@RedCross.ca by Dec. 31.
The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, in collaboration with the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg, is seeking volunteers for a community partner program called the Tune-Up Café, happening biweekly on Tuesday evenings. People living with early to moderate signs of brain change or dementia and their care partners can meet, sing and have coffee together. Volunteers engage socially with program participants, assist with the setup and cleanup, and offer help to participants if needed. No music or singing skills are needed to join. Email sierradueck@alzheimer.mb.ca by March 1.
“A lot of guys like to sit around and, as we like to say, solve the world’s problems over a cup of coffee,” McMillan says.
The group has built wooden garden boxes for Deer Lodge Community Club, created a mosaic for the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre and made a set of stained-glass windows for Westwood Community Church.
For McMillan, the group’s purpose goes beyond hobbies and crafts. It provides members with a safe and supportive space to talk, listen and connect, which can positively impact their mental and emotional health.
“I enjoy the camaraderie,” McMillan says. “Everybody comes with their own story (and) there are some really interesting conversations we have.”
James Turnbull agrees. The retired trucker joined the group four years ago and appreciates the opportunity to get out of the house and play cards.
“(I enjoy) making new friends,” says Turnbull, 73, who volunteers as the group’s treasurer. “One guy that I’ve played crib with off and on a fair amount over the years died last week and it’s a sad enough parting. They get to be good friends when you see them once or twice a week.”
Shed groups are important because they provide support to men who may feel lonely or without purpose now that they’re retired, says Vic Thiessen.
Thiessen is a board member at Men’s Sheds Manitoba, an organization formed last year that supports existing groups and helps launch new ones.
There are currently 14 groups in the keystone province, including seven in Winnipeg, Thiessen says. Groups average between 15 and 25 members.
“What we all have in common is a welcoming environment where men can come together to share their experiences, celebrate their accomplishments and, most importantly, build community,” he says.
Visit mensshedsmanitoba.ca to learn more.
If you know a special volunteer, send an email to aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca.
Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron.
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History
Updated on Monday, November 10, 2025 12:50 PM CST: Corrects link.