There is a lot of love in Leamington…look at this beautiful crew!
As of our current date: Together, staff and over 140 volunteers processed and sold over 280,897 items to 72,870 Customers so far. We saw our highest revenue-generating Open House in 2025. These numbers are not possible without you. All of this fruitful work - the wonderful care and attention to helping customers at cash, on the retail floor with carry-outs or simply finding things – shows how much you care. Every donation carried in the back door, every hardware or electrical device tested, every linen folded, every watch battery installed, every price tag put on, every display made beautiful and artfully arranged is evidence of your hard work and devotion.
Photo: LiTunjia, Ken, Peg, Kyle, Teena, George and Kevin
MCC Thrift on Mill volunteers are awesome and we sincerely thank you. As we go forward in 2026, we seek to enter into more partnerships, amplify peacebuilding, and strengthen our local impact. We will continue to work side-by-side with you for relief, development and peace out of our love for God, family, friends and community! You will see more youth/youth groups, activities like info sessions on what MCC is doing around the world, dress up days, and even a plant sale this year in May. So stay tuned: 2026 looks to be a very fun and prosperous year!
PennyHanslien
General Manager
MCC Thrift on Mill
Volunteer Appreciation Event
Let’s celebrate the lives of our Thrift Family together! This month and throughout the year, we’ll celebrate birthdays with a potluck. We’ll provide the cake and ice cream—please bring a smile and a savoury snack to share (or both) on Feb 26, 2026!
Please remember to use your 20% discount card at the check-out. See LiTunjia if you haven’t received yours yet.
Staff
VEM Inspiration
This past month was quite busy! I watched inspiring updates on MCC’s work in India with you wonderful volunteers and shared ideas while making connections with peers at the Windsor Essex Co-op Event. This month, Canada celebrates Valentine’s Day (Feb 14), Black History Month, National Flag Day (Feb 15), Family Day (Feb 16), and International Mother Language Day (Feb 21).
As we go about our days, let’s give the gift of love to our neighbours, recognize the beauty of diversity around us, honour our family members, give thanks for the beauty of this land, and take a moment to connect with someone in another language—even a simple “hello” can brighten someone’s day.
With sincere thanks,
LiTunjia Olubusi
Volunteer Engagement Manager MCC Thrift on Mill
Inspirations from This Month’s Observances
Viola Desmond was a courageous Black Canadian civil rights pioneer who challenged racial segregation in 1946 and became the first woman featured on a Canadian banknote.
Powell Janulus is a Guinness World Record-holding polyglot fluent in 42 languages, showcasing Canada’s incredible linguistic diversity.
Family Day was introduced in Alberta in 1990. This holiday reminds us to pause and celebrate time with loved ones.
Health and Safety Reminders
• Wet floors from melting snow or rain can be slippery. Use mats and wipe spills.
• Temperatures can swing. Check the forecast before heading out.
• Drive carefully in fog or rain; keep headlights on.
• Stay hydrated and take breaks, especially after coffee time.
• Report hazards promptly so we can fix them quickly.
See you later, Ghian!
Our co-op student, Ghian Jose finished his semester with us on Jan 22. He was an excellent receiving associate and pal. We pray his success and joy as he moves on to finish high school! Congratulations, Ghian!
Friendly Reminders
Back Room Buying Policy – 3 items only
• Please ask a staff member to price items for you.
1. Pricing items not yet on the retail floor: Two Managers/Leads must price the item. The final price will be the average of their two totals. Staff and volunteers may decide at the end of their shift whether to purchase the item. A maximum of three workroom items per shift is allowed, and purchases should not focus heavily on a single category.
2. Purchasing nonretail goods: For items intended for sellon or recycling, a monetary donation is required. The General Manager may suggest a donation amount. Purchases of shared or recycled goods are also limited to three items per shift.
3. Items pulled from the retail floor: Items removed at the end of the colour rotation may be purchased at 75% off the listed price. Present your 20% off card each time so it can be punched.
4. If a staff member or volunteer appears to be taking undue advantage: A Manager will review the policy with the individual to reach a mutually acceptable understanding of its application.
5. Pricing your own items: Staff and volunteers may not price items they intend to purchase.
6. Returns:
All items must be paid for before being taken home. If an item doesn’t fit or isn’t suitable, it may be returned for a refund. This staff and volunteer perk applies to all store items, not just electrical.
Suggestion Box
Have questions or feedback you’d prefer to share anonymously? Drop your thoughts in the suggestion box located in the breakroom. We’ll address them in next month’s newsletter.
Thought of the Month
Let all your things be done with charity”
- 1 Corinthians 16:14
Closed for Family Day
Thrift on Mill will be closed on 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!
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.
Recipe of the Month
February
BIRTHDAYS
Brenda Eagle
Lynda Tiessen
Lea-Anne Lee
Beth Kimm
Eden Eagle 2/3 2/4 2/4 2/5 2/6
June Smith
Dianne Konrad
Judy Dault
Helene Thiessen
Ruth Owens
Maggie Hansen
Vickie Haley
David Wiens
Margaretha Neudorf
Glenn Sellick
Ghian Jose
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!
• All-Around Helper – Jump in where needed and keep the shop running smoothly!
Welcome!
A warm welcome to Haifa, Hana, and Alanna! Thank you for joining the Thrift on Mill volunteer team. Your fresh energy adds inspiration and warmth to our community!
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
Haifa
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
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.
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.
Final Thoughts
February brings an opportunity to bless our neighbours with love; how will you respond to the call?
Queenston residents and MCC volunteers came together to create cards and assemble 151 school kits together for a Christmas event. MCC Photo/Laurie Warkentin
