THE Bega Men’s Shed has received a timely boost.
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The Medibank Community Fund (MCF) has announced a $5000 community grant to the local group.
The funding will go towards gym equipment and 10 cooking lessons that will incorporate nutrition and dietary advice.
It continues a run of good news for the Bega Men’s Shed, which received a $15,000 grant through the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnerships program in April (BDN, 19/4).
The Bega Men’s Shed was formed in 2009 and found a home base in mid-2012 at the Old Bega Hospital site, after reaching an agreement with the Old Bega Hospital Trust.
Club president Eric Myers said he was “over the moon” to receive the MCF grant.
“It shows our group can be used for a variety of activities,” he said.
“The funding is about making sure people are eating right among other things.”
The Bega Men’s Shed gained the money after submitting a video to the MCF asking for its help.
The video shows the men’s shed members using humorous rhymes, pleading for the foundation’s support.
Uploaded by Numbugga Studios and entitled “The Men’s Shed Medibank Promo”, the video was shot at the Old Bega Hospital site.
Mr Myers said it was exciting to make a video, rather than just submit a photo for the competition.
“It was fun to make, everyone got behind it,” he said.
“We’re very pleased about it, it was great fun to make the video, which is what men’s shed is all about.”
Medibank Community Fund manager Nicole Borg said the decision to award the grant to Bega Men’s Shed had been made by local employees after reviewing a range of applications.
“The Medibank Community Fund grants program provides a financial boost to grassroots projects that help encourage a healthy lifestyle or build community connections,” she said.
“Each grant is decided on by Medibank Regional Councils made up of employees from the Medibank organisation.
“Our regional council expressed overwhelming support for the Bega Men’s Shed application because of their commitment to advancing the health and wellbeing of men who are living alone and feeling disconnected from the community.”
* To view the Bega Men’s Shed video, head to www.begadistrictnews.com.au/story/1541014/video-bega-mens-shed-says-thanks/?cs=509