Open day boosts fundraising effort

Drouin Men’s Shed continued its fundraising efforts for the community with another successful open day and market recently.

While children’s food and entertainment went under-utilised, a good crowd still attended the shed’s major fundraiser of the year which also included a classic car show.

The shed’s annual open day and market has been an annual event since 2014, initially starting as a fundraiser to extend on its facilities.

With the impressive facility now boasting everything from office, communal kitchen, storage space and workshop to go with hobby rooms with giant train set and computers, the event has shifted focus in recent years to benefit those in the community who need it the most.

The shed’s 110 members have been busily making items for sale in the lead up to the event, including ornaments, clocks, homewares, wooden toys and solar powered Christmas trees.

Drouin Men’s Shed secretary David Mudge said while takings were still being counted, the shed expected another good return from the day.

“We’ll make a reasonable amount, it was a good day,” he said.

“We did have some items left over which have now been moved to other areas.

“The Drouin Lights Up Festival will be our next event and then our Christmas luncheon.”

Mr Mudge said the shed would identify a local cause to donate to.

“We tend to donate to the hospital each year,” he said. “We’re keeping it local. “The next thing we’re looking at for the shed is an air conditioner and we’ll be supporting local trades and business.”

The shed’s recent fundraising for the drought-stricken community of Trangie, New South Wales may also become an annual feature.

Mr Mudge said with several other charity organisations offering hay and feed, the shed had identified another way to make a difference. “Trangie was extremely successful,” he said. “They had 80 local people at their shed, and the money went back into the township.

“John Crosby who was leading the effort went up there and said he had never seen a place so dry.

“It’s devastating, it’s practically dirt and how they’re surviving is a miracle.”

There was plenty to see and do for all ages at the Drouin Men’s Shed open day. Pictured from left Clint Scott and siblings Jack and Dakota Falls. Jack and Dakota attend Drouin Primary School.

Ron Walke enjoys the model trains on display.

Brian Williams from the men’s shed proudly shows off his 1964 EH Holden.