At Men's Shed Vernon we gather for camaraderie, giving back to our community, and new skill development in our amazing wood and metal shop. They all promote a sense of well being in our guys. Seven years of returning smiling faces, engaging conversations, and an array of amazing project completions are the proof. We also care that we can enjoy these surroundings full of all sorts of equipment safely. To that end, we make safety culture orientation a key part of welcoming new Men's Shed members. We review all of our key pieces of equipment with new members and verify their understanding of safe use by demonstration. We chart who is authorized to use our larger pieces of equipment for all members as reference. We send guys to first aid training, we conduct facility audits for hazards. We want our guys to be safe and have a great time at Men's Shed. Today, our safety team unveiled a new poster that we commissioned to keep the safety message First In Thought at The Shed. A big shout out to Nancy Wilde of Wilde Design for the great artwork and community time she contributed to working with our Men's Shed guys on this important poster. Have fun and be safe out there everyone. We are.

Lake Country, BC – Habitat for Humanity Okanagan celebrated another milestone yesterday as two more families received the keys to their new homes, marking the full occupancy of the Lake Country affordable housing project. In an emotional key ceremony, families, volunteers, and staff gathered to witness the life-changing moment. The event included speeches from Habitat for Humanity Okanagan CEO Andrea Manifold and the families, followed by a celebration with cake and home tours. “This is more than just a house—it’s a foundation for a brighter future,” said Andrea Manifold, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Okanagan. “For these families, homeownership means stability, security, and the opportunity to build a better future for their children. We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers, donors, and partners who make moments like this possible.” These two families are the latest to move into Habitat’s 12-home development in Lake Country, which has been made possible through generous community support. For more information about Habitat for Humanity Okanagan and how to get involved, visit [http://www.habitatforhumanityokanagan.ca](https://www.habitatforhumanityokanagan.ca/). Media Contact: Courtney Clark Marketing Communications & Volunteer Coordinator Habitat for Humanity Okanagan comms@hfhokanagan.ca   About Habitat for Humanity Okanagan Habitat for Humanity Okanagan is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada, a for-impact, non-profit housing organization. Habitat for Humanity’s model empowers families to invest in homeownership. We build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter because we believe every family should have safe, decent, affordable housing.   For more information: Andrea Manifold Chief Executive Officer Habitat for Humanity Okanagan T: 778-755-4346 ext. 210 E: andrea.manifold@hfhokanagan.ca