GM’s Corner
Summer has a way of bringing people together.
Whether it’s around a backyard barbecue, a picnic table, a campfire, or a simple meal with family and friends, this season invites us to slow down, share stories, laugh together, and enjoy one another’s company. Some of our most meaningful memories aren’t made during big events, they’re made in ordinary moments shared with others.
Over the past month, our volunteers had the opportunity to learn about MCC Ontario’s new Material Resources Canned Chicken Pilot. We sampled the product, explored recipe ideas, and learned about the new meat cannery in New Hamburg. While the conversation began with canned chicken, it quickly became about something much bigger.
Food has a way of bringing people together.
Whether it’s a family meal, a church potluck, a neighbour dropping off supper, or emergency food delivered to someone facing crisis, sharing food has always been one of the simplest ways to show care, build relationships, and remind people they are not alone. That same spirit was evident at the end of July as our volunteers gathered for our annual summer picnic. Staff also recently enjoyed an evening around the fire pit for a chance to slow down, connect, and simply enjoy one
another’s company outside the busyness of the shop. These moments remind us that community isn’t built only through the work we accomplish. It grows through conversations, shared experiences, and taking time to know one another.
The work we do at MCC Thrift is important. But the relationships we build while doing that work are equally valuable.
Whether you’re welcoming a new volunteer, sharing a coffee at break time, helping a customer, or sitting across the table from someone at a picnic, those moments strengthen the community we are building together.
The meals we share often nourish far more than our bodies.
Thank you for the kindness, friendship, and encouragement you bring to this shop each day. I hope you continue to enjoy the blessings of summer and the opportunities it gives us to gather, connect, and simply be together.
John Himes General Manager MCC Thrift, St. Catharines
BIRTHDAYS
Elijah D –Processing
Will D –Receiving
Huan Z – Retail
Vinita B –Processing
Halima R –Receiving
Eve W – Retail
Marilu D –Processing
Lilybeth DProcessing
Canada in Colour Week: Celebrating Culture and Canada Day
What a wonderful week of celebration! From June 29th to July 4th, we invited MCC Thrift volunteers to celebrate the diversity of Canada by wearing cultural attire or Canadian flag colours and by bringing Canada Day treats or favourite cultural foods to share. Our volunteers truly made the week special. They showed up with enthusiasm, delicious food, and great community spirit. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this celebration such a fun and meaningful time together. The pictures below highlight some of the amazing outfits, tasty foods and joyful moments we enjoyed as a team.
Canada Summer Jobs Student Shania along with volunteers Bettie D and Ester F
Volunteer Robin A along with the delicious and beautifully decorated cupcakes she made and brought in to share.
Ottawa Mennonite Youth Group Visit
We were excited to welcome six youth and three leaders from Ottawa Mennonite Church to MCC Thrift St. Catharines as part of their mission and service trip to the Niagara Region.
Volunteer Iris H and Norma D demonstrated some cultural outfits.
Mother and Daughter volunteers Marilyn P and Wendy along with the scrumptious strawberry tarts they made to share with others.
During their time in Niagara, the group served in a variety of ways throughout the community, including volunteering at a local food bank, visiting Niagara Falls, and spending an afternoon with us to learn more about the work of MCC Thrift. Since Ottawa doesn’t have an MCC Thrift shop, this was a unique opportunity for the group to see firsthand how thrift supports MCC’s mission of relief, development, and peace. After touring the shop, the youth rolled up their sleeves and experienced a “taste of thrift,” helping in both our retail and processing departments. They also enjoyed spending break time with our volunteers and even squeezed in a little shopping for their Christmas-in-July Secret Santa exchange! It was a pleasure to host this enthusiastic group. We hope they left with a deeper appreciation for the work of MCC Thrift and maybe a few great thrift finds too!
Meat Canning Pilot
During the week of July 13–18, volunteers had the opportunity to learn about and taste MCC Ontario’s new Canned Chicken Pilot.
For many of us, the words “canned meat” immediately bring to mind products like Spam. But this week challenged that perception! Volunteers discovered that MCC’s canned chicken is simply 100% Canadian chicken breast and salt, fully cooked, ready to enjoy, and surprisingly versatile! From salads, wraps, and tacos to soups, casseroles, and camping meals, there are countless ways to use it at home. And yes... the taste test was a hit!
More importantly, we learned the story behind the can. Every purchase supports MCC’s relief, development, and peace work while also helping establish Canada’s first permanent MCC meat cannery. As a pilot project, its success depends on support from shops like ours and people like you. We hope you’ll consider placing an order and helping this exciting new initiative grow.
Pre-orders are open until September 1. Order forms are available at the front of the shop, or you can order online: mcc-kit-supplies.square.site. We’ll provide another reminder as the deadline approaches. Pickup at MCC Thrift St. Catharines will take place on Friday, September 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Volunteer Summer Picnic Photos
Our 2026 MCC Thrift Volunteer Summer Picnic has come and gone, and what a wonderful evening it was! We are so grateful for the time shared together with staff, volunteers and guests. It was a joy to gather in community, enjoy good food, and celebrate the people who make MCC Thrift such a special place. Even Thrifty didn’t want to miss the fun, joining in for photos, enjoying some watermelon, and spending time with our amazing volunteers. A special thank you to Karen’s Catering for the delicious pulled pork, coleslaw, and watermelon. We are also deeply thankful to our Staff Team and Volunteer Engagement Team for all the care and effort they put into creating such a meaningful and memorable evening together.
Anna L., Eva S, and Netti T.
Ed B Thrifty and Anne H
Staff with Thrifty
Volunteer Summer Picnic Photos (continued)
Happy Retirement!
Emmy Krause has been a dedicated volunteer at MCC Thrift for more than four decades. Her commitment to the work of MCC has been evident in the generous gift of her time, energy, and dedication. Over the past 46 years, Emmy has made a meaningful and lasting impact on this work, and we are deeply grateful for all she has contributed.
Thank you, Emmy, for making such a difference. Wishing you every blessing in your retirement!
Jovia P Marilyn and Jim P
Phil A, Thrifty, and Robin A. Sewa S
Rowena W, Margie E, Thrifty, Sylvia W, and Louise R.
Rudy and Louise T
Thrifty and Dani G
Group photo
Peace Conference: Nourishing Peace Together
Saturday, November 7, Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Kitchener
If you’re hungry for connection, meaning and practical ways to resist despair in a world that feels overwhelming, plan to be at this year’s Peace Conference. MCC Ontario is hosting an in person event for people who don’t have everything figured out but who want to build peace. Attendees will:
• Learn how to practice peace in everyday life
• Hear from courageous people pursuing justice, reconciliation and care in hard places
• Share food, stories and space
• Take action, like knotting comforters and sending advocacy letters, to remind us we’re not powerless Register at mcc.org/Ontario-Peace-Conference
Volunteer Story: One Comforter at a Time: Christa Bender’s cross-Canada journey by bicycle
What do a bicycle, a sewing machine, and a dream have in common? For Christa Bender, a volunteer with MCC New Hamburg Thrift Centre, they became part of an inspiring 10,600-kilometre journey across Canada. As Christa cycled from the Pacific to the Atlantic, she collected fabric from thrift stores along the way and created 15 comforter tops for MCC, combining her love of quilting with a commitment to serving others. Her story is a beautiful reminder of how faith, community, and simple acts of care can make a lasting impact. Read more about Christa’s remarkable adventure at the following: mcec.ca/article/26142-one-comforter-at-a-time-christa-benders-cross-canada-journey-by-bicycle.
Help Spread the Word About MCC Ontario’s Local Programs
Dear MCC Volunteers,
Thank you for generously sharing your skills and time to further MCC’s mission. Your dedication makes a real difference in the lives of many.
We invite you to help amplify the impact of our local programs. By spreading the word, you can inspire more people to join us in sharing God’s compassion for all through relief, development, and peace-building efforts in Ontario.
Please complete the survey below. Your feedback will help us understand your knowledge of MCC’s Ontario programs. As a thank you, you’ll be entered into a random draw for a $50 MCC Thrift Shop gift card. Respond by Friday, August 28th. www.surveymonkey.com/r/5BY7GJS