The story of the death and resurrection of Jesus in the Easter message is the foundation of the Christian faith. It has inspired centuries of Jesus-followers with hope and joy and has shaped their commitment to living as he did. It has led them to care for the poor and vulnerable, to seek truth and justice. Words and stories have power to inspire and shape us. You may have noticed a new sign as you enter our break room. It has been installed as a statement of the Mission, Vision, and Values that guide MCC Thrift as a network of Shops in Canada, and specific Shops like ours, Thrift on Kent, in Kitchener. It looks like this:
The words and ideas in this statement are an attempt to capture why we exist and ensure that we don’t lose sight of that reason. They are also an invitation to each of us personally to engage more intentionally and passionately in our work.
These words invite me to join MCC Thrift in making “meaningful impact” and in “strengthening communities.” I want to be part of that kind of work! For me, the value of being Jesus-centred, guides me in the ways I interact with people in need, with my colleagues, and with partners in our community.
I’d love to hear from you… what words in our mission, vision, and values statements would you highlight… words that inspire you, keeping you excited about being involved in the work we do together?
Thanks for investing your time and energy in our good work.
Tim Albrecht General Manager MCC Thrift on Kent
Volunteer Appreciation Week
The week of April 20-25 is National Volunteer Appreciation Week! This year, to show our appreciation, we are having cake for break time! A gluten-free option will be provided. We know that volunteering is no piece of cake, and there are other things you could be investing yourself in. So, take some time to visit with others and enjoy a piece of cake as one of the ways we say “thank you.”
Welcome!
A big welcome to our new volunteers! Have you met any of them yet? We have included their pictures to help you identify them, as well as listed what shifts they are on. Join us in being a welcoming community by introducing yourself to someone new this month!
Jaxon - retail co-op student
Andrewfurniture
Andrewfurniture
Keinanworkroom coop student
Lorraineretail Greghardware
Ben - retail books
Megan - retail
Jack - retail
Megan - cash
Welcome Ravish!
Ravish has joined us as our contract employee helping with logistics in the workroom and filling in as needed. He has been a volunteer with us for almost 2 years.
Ravish came from the state of Chhattisgarh, India. He grew up in a Mennonite church in the city Durg. MCC plays a very big role there. They have a regional office there. They run a lot of programs for rural women and children. MCC runs schools and hospitals for the communities. They also support the tribal people in the region. Seventy percent of the people are tribal people, made up of 30 different groups. This would be a bit like the Indigenous people of Canada.
Ravish came to Canada to better his opportunities, and to continue his studies. He finished his Bachelor of Engineering and has completed studying information technology and business analysis here Waterloo. He was part of a ministry in Zarurat, India working with young people and teaching them about the love of God from Hosea. He travelled all over India as well as to Nepal, Kenya and Dubai with the ministry. One place he would love to travel to is Santorini in Greece, because it looks very beautiful and has both mountains and beaches together.
In his free time, Ravish likes to make music, YouTube videos and record things. His hidden talent is that he can make music out of anything – spoons, tables… anything!
Thank yous and Shout-outs!
A shout-out to Patti Hobler
“A shoutout to Patti who regularly does those absolutely stunning, creative displays every week at the entrance way into the store! It makes for such a welcoming visual. I don’t know how she keeps coming up with all those new ideas and fabulous colour schemes! She is so talented!”
Shout out to Shalagh!
Many of you may not know Shalagh, who volunteers Saturday afternoons. Shalagh does a fabulous job of tidying what needs tidying on a Saturday afternoon, then puts out the new merchandise. She also helps in seasonal when she is done that! Shalagh is energetic and hardworking, and has an eye for details. Thank you Shalagh!
Safety Reminder: Closed-toed Shoes
As the weather starts to get warmer, just a reminder that for health and safety reasons, we require volunteers to wear closed-toed shoes both in the store and the workroom. Thanks for keeping this in mind!
Please let Giselle know ASAP if you are unable to cover your shift over Easter weekend because “some-bunny” is coming to visit you or you are going to visit “some-bunny”.
Community Coffee
to inform, educate and inspire ToK volunteers! Come join us the week of April 7-10, held at 10:30 and 2:30 each day.
New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Fundraising Dinner
Enjoy an evening out and a delicious catered meal to support the relief sale.
Pow Wows 101
Learn the basics of what Indigenous Pow Wows are all about. Attend in person in Kitchener or online.
