Run by Shepherds of Good Hope, the GDW has been around for almost 20 years. It's probably one of Ottawa's best kept secrets. The participants in the program, with the help of volunteers and a couple of staffers, refinish furniture. (They also make wood products but that's for a future blog post).
It might be an old kitchen chair, a wooden desk, a bookshelf or a hutch that someone's grandmother gave them. Whatever it is, it has sentimental value to the people who bring it in. Some of it is in pretty bad shape. Our participants bring it back to life.
When I was there, I saw a little table. It had a beautiful finish. The legs had wonderful detail. It was obvious this was an old table and meant something to someone. Luckily enough, I got to meet the man who owned the table when he showed up to take it home. He was ecstatic at how the table turned out. The table had been in his wife's family for a long time. All the scuffs and scratches had been repaired and the detail in the wood had been cleaned up. It was a night and day transformation.
He admitted he had never heard of GDW until a friend mentioned us. He was impressed not only with the quality of the work, but also with how this type of enterprise helps so many people. He felt good that he was able to get a sentimental piece of furniture refinished, to see it restored to its true beauty, but he also felt good about how GDW helps people who are struggling. Many of the participants don't have easy access to jobs. They might have a physical disability or a mental illness and/or suffer from an addiction.
The philosophy of the program is simple. Every day for each participant should be a good day. What I saw that day left not doubt that it was a good day for everyone.
But we do need help. We are looking for volunteers who have wood working experience. If you're interested, or you know someone who has those skills, please contact us. If you want to know more about the Good Day Workshop, please visit the program page. You can also reach me at 613-789-8210, Ext. 247 or at asilverman@shepherdsofgoodhope.com.
Here are some photos from the Good Day Workshop.
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