GM’s Corner
As the days grow longer and the warmth of spring begins to return, many of us feel that familiar urge to open the windows, let in the fresh air, and start a few long-awaited projects around the house. Spring has a way of getting us moving again after the quiet months of winter.
For many people, that also means spring cleaning. Closets are sorted, shelves are cleared, and items that are no longer needed find their way into donation bags. What once sat unused in our homes can suddenly become something meaningful for someone else.
Here at MCC Thrift, we see this rhythm of generosity every year as the weather warms. Donations begin to increase, and each item that arrives carries the possibility of new life and new purpose. What begins as a simple act of clearing space in someone’s home can become support for families, resources for communities, and funding for MCC’s work of relief, development, and peace around the world.
At our house, spring also means something else. My daughter Skyla has started a new routine on evenings when the weather is nice. After I get home from work, she often asks the same question: “Can we go for a walk?”
So, we head outside together and wander through the neighbourhood. We take our time noticing the nature around us, the gardens beginning to come back to life, and the beauty of the homes nearby. Along the way, Skyla and I wave to neighbours and share quick greetings with people passing by.
There’s something simple but powerful about being outside, reconnecting with others and sharing small pieces of joy in our community. Spring also brings with it the season of Easter, a time that celebrates renewal, hope, and new life. As Christians, we celebrate with joy the message at the heart of Easter: He is risen!
This message reminds us that even small acts of
kindness can bring light into the world.
Every time you sort donations, price an item, greet a customer, tidy a shelf, or offer a kind word to someone who walks through our doors, you are helping extend that light outward into our community. Through your time and care, the work done here helps support MCC’s mission of relief, development, and peace all around the world.
What begins in this shop reaches far beyond these walls.
This month, we will also celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week, with the theme Ignite Volunteerism. Like a spark shared from one flame to another, the kindness and generosity you bring each week continues to ignite hope in others.
Thank you for being the heart of this community. Wishing you and your families a joyful Easter. He is risen!
John Himes General Manager MCC Thrift, St. Catharines
Kyle V. –Receiving
Max W. –Receiving/Retail
Easton R. –Processing Coop Student
Carole Anne S. –Processing
Natalia O. – Retail
Shania A. – Retail
Around the Shop
On March 2nd, MCC Thrift was invited to a 50+ Active Living and Information Fair at the Dunlop Drive Senior Centre, St. Catharines. Sherry (Volunteer Engagement Manager) and Tymbi G. (volunteer) were able to talk with older adults about MCC Thrift and invite them to shop and volunteer if they were interested. One new volunteer has already been onboarded as a result of this event.
Shop Notes
It’s always a great day when our MCC Thrift friends and colleagues come to visit! We loved welcoming our marketing team from Kitchener to MCC Thrift St. Catharines for a tour of our shop on March 12th. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, introduce our amazing staff and volunteers, and share the stories and passions behind what we do every day. Moments like this remind us how meaningful it is to come together, united in our mission and the love we have for this work, all in support of MCC through thrift. We are grateful to them for making the trip and for being part of the journey with us! John Himes, GM
From left to Right: Hanna Negussie, Sherry Main, Dawn Van Dyck, Zac Peters, Nicole Jabbour, John Himes, Wes CoutreBurke, Abby Taylor, Janessa Pretorius, Chris Richardson and Ana Galindo.
SAVE THE DATE: Friday, May 8th - MCC Thrift St. Catharines Plant Sale
HEALTH NOTE: We want to make sure your medical information is accurate. Please let us know about any anaphylactic allergies or serious medical conditions you may have or developed more recently.
Pow Wows 101
Learn the basics of what Indigenous Pow Wows are all about. Attend in person in Kitchener or online.
April Closures
A quick reminder that the shop will be closed on April 3 for Good Friday. We also wish you a time of reflection and celebration on Easter Sunday. I hope you will be able to spend time with your church community and families. The shop doors will again be open on what some consider to be Easter Monday. We look forward to seeing you then.
Volunteer Profile - Dave Gossen - “Our Firestarter Maker”
My name is Dave Gossen and I recently retired, allowing me more free time to pick and choose my activities.
What sparked your interest in making the fire-starters for MCC Thrift?
Volunteering was a definite for me in retirement and I heard about MCC Thrift needing someone to take over the making of
firestarters. It was an easy yes for me since I’m a firm believer in the purposes and goals of MCC. I began making starters in October of 2025 and have enjoyed spending about a half-day a week on this project.
What keeps your flame burning?
For me, it is a small way of giving back to a great organization who not only was instrumental in helping my relatives immigrate to Canada but continues to be relevant in an ever-changing world.
Volunteer Appreciation Week - April 19-25
Volunteer Appreciation Week is coming April 19-25, 2026. This year’s theme is Ignite Volunteerism! Our hope at MCC Thrift St. Catharines is that our volunteers know and feel that they are appreciated all-year-round not just during one week in April. However, we love that we get to highlight our volunteers in an extra-special way at this time. Sometimes thank you just doesn’t seem to say it enough, so how about thank you in multiple languages!
We are looking forward to break times during Volunteer Appreciation Week and the opportunities we will have to try some fiery treats, as well as hear from our volunteers as they answer the questions:
1. What sparked your interest in volunteering at MCC Thrift?
2. What keeps your volunteer flame burning? Even small sparks make big flames — thank you!