Keeping our valued volunteers informed
VEM Inspiration
Dear Volunteers,
It is such a blessing to know you all! Spring emerged last month and brought us lots of sunshine and good times.
In this new month, let’s use the extra sunshine to bless our neighbours and ourselves. We gained an extra hour of sun—so how can we use it well? I would say: use the time outside of the house. Smiling at someone while having a stroll just might make their day! And who knows—you might gain a friend! You could also learn a new sport, like golf. I recently read that while playing golf, people often make meaningful relationships, turning their time with strangers into business deals, brainstorming sessions, and lasting memories.
Take some time to ease the pace of your day and truly smell the roses, lilies, or whatever beautiful flower God has put before you. Take time to share—your
faith, dreams, or uncertainties—with an empathetic ear. Make time to listen to the stranger with a crying toddler or the person seeking your attention during your afternoon Tim’s run. Take the sunshine as a gift: slow down, be intentional, and you’ll be surprised at the joy you’ll find.
April’s observances include Maundy Thursday (April 2), Good Friday (April 3), Easter Sunday (April 5), Easter Monday (April 6), Tartan Day (April 6), and Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 19-25). Let’s spend this month in awe of God’s love, admiring the beauty of Canada’s diversity, and celebrating community service together.
I pray you will see each day as a gift, because they are. With gratitude,
LiTunjia Olubusi
Volunteer Engagement Manager
MCC Thrift on Mill
Inspiration from This Month’s Observances
Maundy Thursday (April 2)
Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper and His “new commandment” to love one another, marking the beginning of the Triduum (the days between Thursday and Easter Sunday). In recent decades, many churches have revived ancient practices like foot washing to reconnect congregations with early Christian humility and service.
Good Friday (April 3)
Good Friday solemnly remembers Jesus’ crucifixion, the central act of sacrifice within the Christian story of salvation. In modern practice, churches increasingly emphasize contemplative liturgies and community walks of the cross to highlight the day’s enduring relevance.
Tartan Day (April 6)
Tartan Day celebrates Scottish heritage on the anniversary of the 1320 Declaration of Arbroath. First proposed in Nova Scotia in 1986 and officially recognized across Canada by 2010, it has grown in recent years into national events featuring tartan wearing, Highland arts, and cultural storytelling.
Volunteer Appreciation Event
MCC Thrift on Mill is so grateful for you! We’ll celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week April 20-25 with yummy food, gifts, and heartfelt thank yous! Stay tuned to your email for more information and check in with LiTunjia ASAP if you’ve changed your contact information.
Around the Shop
Suggestion Box
Thank you to those who’ve been sharing ideas through the anonymous suggestion box—I truly appreciate it. One recent comment asked if I could cut back on snacks and potlucks so more resources can go toward the people we serve.
It’s a thoughtful reminder of why we serve at Thrift on Mill. I have two things to share: often, volunteers bring snacks to share with their peers, which I simply display in an organized manner. Other times, treats that I purchase come from funds dedicated specifically to volunteer appreciation, so they do not reduce what goes toward our programs.
Many volunteers tell us these small moments of connection help them recharge and feel seen, and I am grateful for the community they create. At the same time, every piece of feedback helps us be more intentional. Please keep sharing your thoughts—I value every voice.
And thank you, truly, for all you bring to MCC Thrift on Mill.
Have questions or feedback you’d prefer to share anonymously? Drop your thoughts in the suggestion box located in the breakroom. I’ll address them in next month’s newsletter.
Welcoming more Co-op Students!
Until We Meet Again, Liam!
Our co-op students Chantaya & Ghian (returning) joined us last month to gain workplace skills. Thank you for helping them gain their footing around the shop and welcoming them with open arms. If you see them around the shop, please say hello!
Our cashier and donation attendant, Liam, is moving on to continue his medical education overseas. He has served faithfully and cheerfully, and he will be deeply missed. Although we’d like him to stay, we are hopeful that this next chapter will open new doors and invite meaningful adventure. We pray peace, success, and joy over you, Liam—farewell!
April Health Advisory: Spring Allergy & Air Quality Awareness
Breathe Easier Indoors
Dust and pollen can drift inside as doors open more frequently, so regular tidying helps everyone. Wiping down shelves and work surfaces makes a big difference in keeping the air clear.
Support for Allergy prone Volunteers
Masks are always available—please use one if you’re working with dusty donations or feeling sneezy. If symptoms flare up, feel free to take a break or switch to a lighter task. Your comfort matters!
Stay Hydrated & Rested
Seasonal changes can cause fatigue and dehydration.
Be sure to drink plenty of water and take moments to rest during busy shifts.
Keep Air Flowing
Fans and air purifiers help keep things fresh. When pollen counts are high, keeping certain doors closed helps protect sensitive volunteers. Your health is important, and these small steps help make our Thrift community a safe and comfortable place for everyone.
Spring brings pollen, dust, and humidity, which can make the air feel heavier and trigger allergies. Regularly clean shelves and sorting areas to cut down on dust and prevent mold in damp spots — both common spring irritants.
Allergy prone volunteers are welcome to masks and encouraged to take breaks from dusty tasks. A little airflow and a little care go a long way toward breathing easier this season.
Pow Wows 101
Learn the basics of what Indigenous Pow Wows are all about. Attend in person in Kitchener or online.
Recipe of the Month
Open Volunteer Positions
Do you have friend with a heart for service and at least 2 hours to spare? We’re looking for more volunteers! Email litunjiaolubusi@mcco.ca or call LiTunjia Olubusi 519-326-3665 extension 312 for more information!
• Change Room Attendant - Keep things moving with tidy rooms, friendly smiles, and fashion advice on the fly!
• Sales Floor Helper – Love people and bargains? Help customers find hidden treasures!
• Donation Sorter – Be the first to discover donated gems behind the scenes!
• Cashier – Ring up sales with joy and send shoppers off with a smile!
• Display Stylist/ Retail Floor Decorator – Turn second-hand goods into eye-catching displays!
• All-Around Helper – Jump in where needed and keep the shop running smoothly!
Welcome!
A warm welcome to Lorraine, Chris, Henry, Nancy, Mary Anne, and Jadon! Thank you for joining the Thrift on Mill volunteer team. Your fresh energy adds inspiration and warmth to our community!
Final Thoughts
March brings longer days and more sunshine. Will you join me in planning ahead so we can step confidently into the busy season?
Lorraine Chris Henry Nancy Mary Anne