Keeping our valued volunteers informed
GM’s Corner
Love That Lasts: February at MCC Care & Share
As January winds down and February arrives in full force, we’re all hoping the worst of winter is behind us. And while I’m not entirely sure about the ethics of praying for or putting our hopes on a groundhog and his shadow, I can say this: I, for one, will be cheering for an early spring.
February, of course, brings more than just Groundhog Day. It is most notably known for Valentine’s Day and, in more recent memory, Family Day. At their core, both invite us to think about our relationships with others. About connection, belonging, and care. At MCC Care & Share, both days reflect what we see all year: practical kindness that makes a real difference.
Valentine’s Day: From History… to Hallmark
Valentine’s Day didn’t start as a shopping event. Its origins go back centuries and are often linked to early Christian traditions connected to St. Valentine. Over time, it became more closely associated with romantic love—first through letters and poems, and later through cards.
In our modern era, Valentine’s Day has become increasingly commercial. For some people, that’s part of the fun. For others, it can feel like pressure—expensive gifts, big plans, and the sense that love needs to be proven or performed.
The Kind of Love We See Here
At MCC Care & Share, we see a different kind of love, one that is shown all year round with no competition and no pressure to perform. It’s steady, practical, and rooted in dignity.
It looks like: volunteers sorting and pricing donations with care, keeping the shop organized, welcoming, and calm, answering questions with patience and respect, helping every shopper feel seen and valued. Our customers may come in for affordable items, but it is the atmosphere that they notice. The friendly, respectful, neat, tidy, safe and caring atmosphere you, our volunteers, help create.
Family Day: Community as Family
“Family” can mean more than a household. It also means community—neighbours and friends showing up in a time of need, sharing what they have, and making room for others. Part of the mission and vision of MCC Care & Share is to be a part of that network for families and individuals, through the work of MCC worldwide but also locally, offering support that is both practical and encouraging.
Thank You
Thank you for the time and care you bring, whether you’re working in receiving, sorting and pricing in processing, stocking shelves, cleaning, or helping customers. While Valentine’s Day can sometimes feel like a competition, the love we see at MCC Care & Share is simpler and stronger: Being the Care and Living the Share – consistent kindness that shows up every week, all year long.
Brian Ingram General Manager MCC Care & Share
Joke of the Month
Welcome!
New volunteers added to our family so far this month! Let’s welcome:
Kevin A
Felipe B
Joey C
Jimmy G
Heather H
Austin K
Judy L
BIRTHDAYS February
Tykree L
Reed M
Fergus M
Hadi R
Arezo S
Valentina S
Charlie W
Brigitte W
Malcolm C
Valerie S
Koreen L
Colleen M
Finnegan K
Rielle S
Ellen W 2/6 2/10 2/14 2/14 2/20 2/21 2/22 2/24
Around the Shop
Aged to perfection. Slightly gassy. Deeply loved.
We have many Christmas gifts still waiting to find their new homes! We C&S staff truly appreciate you and want to give back in any way we can. If you have not already, please stop by Selina’s office to pick up your gift. We would love to see you!
Welcome Allison!
When your volunteer shift turns into a fashion show… Who knew thrift could be this fluffy?!
Please join us in welcoming Allison, our newest retail team member, to the staff team! Allison is incredibly hard-working and brings such a thoughtful and positive approach to everything she does! As a long-tenured volunteer, she has made it clear that she cares deeply about doing things well and supporting those around her. We are very fortunate to have her on the team and are so grateful for the energy and dedication she brings to the team! We are excited to watch her continue to grow in her role and to see the many ways she will contribute to our community. If you see her around, please say hi! :)
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.
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!
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
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
Queenston residents and MCC volunteers came together to create cards and assemble 151 school kits together for a Christmas event.
MCC Photo/Laurie Warkentin
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
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.
