Bruce’s wooden toy venture is anything but child’s play

The $10,000 Westfield Local Heroes grant has enabled Woodworking Men’s Shed to replace older equipment with new, safer tools and equipment. This has allowed them to expand their volunteer network with more workers in the shed building more toys for kids.

Bruce Campbell’s most memorable experience in his many years at the local men’s woodworking Shed was being asked by the Children’s Hospital in Westmead to make special furniture for disabled children to use.

“It was challenging and involved some of our best woodworkers. The feedback we had from the hospital staff and their little patients was certainly a highlight for us,” he says.

He has had a leading role at the Hornsby Woodworking Men’s Shed from its beginning nearly 17 years ago when it was the Triton Woodworking Group.

Bruce is best known for his work with the toymaking team, which produces about 400 toys for distribution to charities every Christmas.

As a Westfield Hornsby Local Hero Bruce has been able to attract more attention and support to the organisation, growing their membership and awareness.

This past year Bruce sadly lost his wife, his time working in the shed has enabled him to get through the challenging time.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here.