Keeping our valued volunteers informed
GM’s Corner
First Impressions from Tim
I can now say I’ve been on staff here at Thrift on Kent for a month. What are my first impressions, you ask? Well…thanks for asking! I’ve been impressed by a lot in my first few weeks!
• I’ve seen an amazing team of staff and volunteers, each serving a unique role.
• I’ve seen deep passion for the work we do together for MCC, bringing relief, development, and peace.
• I’ve seen volunteers and staff providing excellent customer experience in our retail space.
• I’ve witnessed our team working to respond with care and compassion for those who are struggling in our community.
• I’ve heard laughter and joy (and jokes!) that create a fun, welcoming atmosphere.
• I’ve enjoyed hearing from volunteers about why you keep coming back!
• “It gives me purpose.”
• “I love the people.”
• “It provides structure for my week.”
• “It’s fun.”
• “The snacks!”
Thank you for making such a good first impression on me! It will certainly serve as a foundation to keep me coming back.
Whatever your reason for coming back week after week, I’m grateful that you continue to choose to invest your time with us.
In the month of February, you’ll see lots of hearts and lots of talk about love – in our Shop and in our culture. My hope is that you experience the love of God through others at Thrift on Kent and that that inspires and enables you to love others.
“We love each other because he loved us first.” (The Bible, 1 John 4:19)
Tim Albrecht
General Manager
MCC Thrift on Kent
Staff Highlight: What do you know about Spencer?
Spencer is the team lead for hardline in the workroom, meaning she is responsible for housewares, seasonal, books and media. But did you know that she likes cooking and makes a special dinner for each of her siblings on their birthdays? Many of you know she got married in September (see her wedding pic to the side!). She also loves antiques. And she loves baklava!
Welcome!
Have you met any of our new volunteers? (Those who have started since January). We have shown you who is new by their shifts, so you can note who is new on your shift and help us to welcome them!
Barbara (crafts/ stationary)
Alyssa (retail)
Carson (receiving)
Jen (housewares)
Barbara (hanging clothes)
Lumori (receiving)
Rose (retail)
Barbara (cash)
Sannidhi (retail fashion)
Rose (retail fashion)
Grace (retail store)
Lumori (receiving)
Heydy (retail fashion)
Aliah (retail) Sarah (retail) Claudine - cash
February
BIRTHDAYS
Christine P (hanging clothes)
Reynaldo (electrical/ hardware)
Carly (receiving)
Alison (hanging clothes)
Vikas (electrical)
Braden (toys)
Judy C (cash)
Fred (metal recycling)
Mazzy (receiving)
Gerarmy (retail)
Alec (toys)
Shelley W (electrical/ housewares)
Karen (housewares)
Milad (retail)
Tony E (furniture)
Anne B (cash)
John J (electrical)
Andy (cash)
Patti (merchandising)
Carol (cash/ retail)
Mani (retail)
Josslyne (retail)
Sannidhi (retail)
Policy reminders
Good-bye to our co-op students!
Since the fall we have had three co-op students. Xavier and Evelyn were here in the mornings from Cameron Heights. Xavier volunteered primarily in receiving, and Evelyn volunteered in the store. They have both done a fantastic job!
David, who has volunteered with us previously, came as a co-op student from St David’s Catholic school. His co-op was in the afternoon, and he helped in receiving, the workroom and the store. Thanks for your flexibility, David!
More than a meal: walking together in Queenston
MCC Ontario has recently partnered with The Queenston Neighbours, a local neighbourhood association in an area of St. Catharines known for its dilapidated buildings and homeless encampments. For Tim Shields, MCC Ontario’s new community mobilizer, the question of how to not to “do for” but to “walk with” neighbours in need has shaped his life for years, and led to some surprising decisions for him and his family. From community events to food security projects, learn what MCC is doing to build trust and empower neighbours. Read the whole story here: mcc.org/our-stories/more-meal-walking-together-queenston
Do you Love Writing Cards or Talking on the Phone?
Join MCC Ontario in expressing appreciation through personal connection. The MCC Ontario Donor Relations team is looking for a few volunteers to help with writing thank you cards and making thank you phone calls as a way of sharing appreciation and building connections. If this volunteer opportunity sounds like something you - or someone you know - would enjoy, contact Volunteer Services at volunteerservices@mcco.ca for more details.
Queenston residents and MCC volunteers came together to create cards and assemble 151 school kits together for a Christmas event. MCC Photo/Laurie Warkentin
Valentine’s day: Treats and couples, food and friends
The week of Valentine’s, look for a special sweet and salty treat for break time. Did you know that 15 couples volunteer at Thrift on Kent? Maybe your partner wants to volunteer too :) !
but we didn’t get their photos this time.
We can’t forget Glenn and Anna Mary, Fred and Donna, and Joyce and Ivan –
My fav donation of the month
I had a good laugh when Peter, one of our book volunteers showed me this. I am grateful to have a Mennonite husband who is a good cook!
Health and Safety: Concern Reporting
We now have a form to fill out when you notice a health and safety concern. This will allow us to ensure that concerns are heard and followed up with in a prompt manner. This will also help us to see if there are repeated concerns which may require us to address larger issues. These forms are beside the treasure feedback box in the breakroom.
Reminder: All Thrift Shops Close on Family Day
February 16, 2026, as we observe Family Day. Please take Feb 16 as a day to recharge and enjoy time for yourself. Thank you for all you do!
Thank you !
A big thank you to Martin’s Family Fruit Farm for donating our apple cider for Community Coffee week in January. We appreciate local businesses who support us!
Pancake Mix for Pancake Tuesday/Lent
If you recognize Lent, prepare for Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Tuesday) with a package of Better Battter Pancake and Waffle mix from Raw Carrot. shop.therawcarrot.com
MCC Events
• Hearts of Freedom Book Launch – Sunday, February 15, 2026 at First Hmong Church, Kitchener The harrowing stories of 145 former refugees who fled South Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos between 1975 and 1997 are now published in the new book “Hearts of Freedom.” You’re invited to celebrate its launch! Learn more: mcc.org/hearts-book
• Men Listening, Men Talking: A Single Day Men’s Retreat – Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Danforth Mennonite Church, Toronto
Men are invited to participate in this retreat that will focus on building healthy relationships of peace in their daily roles as fathers, sons, husbands and neighbours. Learn more: mcc.org/men-listening
Did you know MCC has a Peace & Justice Office in Ottawa?
Volunteers are a vital part of MCC’s mission—and staying informed is one way to deepen your impact. Sign up for the Peace & Justice Office’s monthly advocacy newsletter to learn how MCC engages with the Canadian government and partners across the country. You’ll receive thought provoking stories, advocacy actions, and updates on upcoming events.
Sign up here: mcc.org/impact/newsletters/peace-justice
Looking for a new podcast? Check out MCC’s Podcasts
Interested in learning more about MCC’s projects and the people behind the work? These podcasts offer meaningful stories, thoughtful conversations, and deeper insight into MCC’s impact around the world. Listen to interviews that highlight the human experiences at the heart of MCC’s relief, development, and peace efforts. Simply search for Relief, Development and Podcast or Undercurrents wherever you get your podcasts. Undercurrents tells stories from MCC’s work right here in Ontario, and just began a new season at the end of January.
Start listening at mcc.org/undercurrents.
