‘Sheds have been there when we needed them, now, they need you’
Men’s Sheds Association launches ‘Save Our Sheds’ Fund as Covid-19 causes financial worry for shedders
The Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA), the representative body for over 460 men’s sheds in Ireland, has today launched a fundraising campaign to help support men’s sheds, following a survey which showed 82% of men’s sheds have had their fundraising affected by Covid-19.
The survey of men’s sheds also showed that 82% of sheds are worried about their financial security, with the average shed losing €1,286 from March 13th to 8th May, or a combined €591,560 for the 460 sheds on the island of Ireland. To help ease the pressure being experience by sheds across Ireland, the national association has launched the ‘Save Our Sheds’ (SOS) Fund, which will be distributed to sheds affected by the crisis.
Sheds are temporarily closed and may face another three months of closure, further restricting their ability to fundraise.
Speaking on the launch of the fundraising campaign, CEO of IMSA Barry Sheridan said:
“It is very concerning to see that the majority of men’s sheds are being financially impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. It is hard to find a sector, group or individual that has not been affected.
“We have always been committed to supporting our sheds, that is why we are launching our ‘Save Our Sheds’ (SOS) Fund. We are aiming to raise enough funds so that we can provide support to the sheds affected by Covid-19, and to keep as many sheds open as possible.
“The men’s sheds have been a vital part of our communities over the past decade, they have been there when we needed them, and now, they need you.
Also commenting was Val Browne, who joined the Ballina Men’s Shed after his wife died:
“The shed saved my life, that’s the truth of it. After my wife died, I was at a loss. I stayed in the house for weeks on end, my hair started to fall out. My family and friends tried everything to help me.
“A friend brought me to the local men’s shed, and to say I haven’t looked back is an understatement. The shed has given me a new lease of life. I’m there every day, and I’m looking forward to going back soon”.
People can help support the SOS Fund by donating online at www.menssheds.ie/sos, or by texting ‘SHEDS’ to 50300.
-ENDS-
For more information, please contact:
Andrew Rooney
Communications Officer
Irish Men’s Sheds Association
E: andrew@menssheds.ie
M: 086 022 4535 / 085 767 6413
Website: www.menssheds.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irishmensshedsassociation/
Twitter: @IrishSheds
Notes to the editor
About Irish Men’s Sheds Association
The Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) is a member-based organisation and registered charity, having been founded in 2011. The organisation aims to support the development of men’s sheds throughout Ireland and acts as a representative body to carry the message and ethos of men’s sheds onto the national stage.
There are over 460 men’s sheds across the whole of Ireland, with over 10,000 men attending a shed every week.
