Vernon BMX president Shylo Orchard (centre) poses with Men's Shed Vernon members who created  refurbished trophies for BMX members. (Submitted photo)

By Pete McIntyre

'Generous helping hands'

Men’s Shed creates one-of-kind trophies for BMX

Apr 5, 2022 | 12:00 PM

A Vernon community organization has helped make the season of local BMX riders even more special.

Men’s Shed Vernon has been working with Vernon BMX to rebuild and repurpose hundreds of recycled trophies for their 2022 season.

“Riders from back in the day will fondly remember that trophies were handed out at every weekly race, every single race all season long,” said Lisa Fogel from the club. “Top riders amassed massive collections and parents tried in vain to house them all. But as the years passed, it was a BMX tradition that simply couldn’t continue with both rising costs and clubs scrounging for cash to keep operating.”

That’s where the Men’s Shed comes in.

Ray Verlage thought the Shed and its members could lend a hand, and just three months into a new community relationship, the Shed’s members have built one-of-a-kind trophies.

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Using several of the shop’s state of the art machines, members created awards that literally brought tears to the eyes of Shylo Orchard, long time Vernon BMX president.

“With point man Steve Chursinoff leading the project and talented members like Wally Garrod, John Richley, and Don Fraser lending their expertise, the Men’s Shed has quickly surpassed all expectations,” said Fogel.

The Men’s Shed has a custom 5,000 square foot shop on Meadowlark Road where individuals gather to build personal or collective projects with a mandate of helping community organizations.

“They are an incredible group of people and well worth a visit,” Fogel exclaimed. “Vernon BMX is very thankful to have found such generous helping hands.”

Steve Chursinoff of Men’s Shed Vernon chats with Vernon BMX president Shylo Orchard in front of the refurbished trophies. (Submitted photo)

For more details, check their website https://www.mensshedvernon.ca/

Vernon BMX is planning on hosting a special Men’s Shed Race night later this summer to honour their hard work, with details to be announced.