Pictured L-R Forbes Mens Shed Treasurer Tony Thompson, Bernardis owner Tony Bernardi and Forbes Mens Shed President Jim Walklate.
Each year Tony Bernardi (of Bernardis Marketplace in Forbes) gives away $10,000 to local community groups. Customers are given tokens after they make a purchase and they can put their token into one of 3 plastic containers that each represent a different local group or organisation. This happens twice a year and the $10,000 is split amongst those depending upon how many tokens each receive. The winners from the last round of the promotion were the Forbes Mens Shed. Representatives from the Forbes Mens Shed wanted to thank the community for helping them win and also a massive thank you to Tony Bernardi for the donation of $2500.
Jim Walklate, who is the current President of the Forbes Mens Shed, said about Tony Bernardi “Tony is a very big supporter of our Mens Shed, he also comes down each Wednesday and plays cards, we get around 24-30 each Wednesday afternoon who come down for cards which is one of our social get togethers that we enjoy”.
Late last year the Forbes Mens Shed became a registered charity “This year we want to give some money away to help support the local community, this $2500 cheque will certainly help us do that”.
“We would love to have some younger members come along and join us at the Forbes Mens Shed, we have a very aged population now, virtually from the early 70’s to 90’s. Members of any age are welcome, if you have just retired come along have a chat and a cup of coffee. We are coming into firewood season, the boys go out mostly on a Saturday or Sunday, cut it, bring it in, we split it and sell it. We do repairs for people also, which is why we need more carpenters to come and join us” said Jim. So, if you’re in Forbes and looking for a supportive environment where you can tinker, create, and connect, consider paying a visit to the Forbes Community Men’s Shed. It’s more than just a shed—it’s a home away from home for many. Also check out our wide range of second hand tools & furniture at the Forbes Mens Shed.