JANUARY 2026
THRIFT VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
Keeping our valued volunteers informed
GM’s Corner Looking Ahead to the New Year As we turn the page to a new year, we’re reminded of how much can be accomplished when people come together with generosity, purpose, and heart. Each of you has contributed your time, energy, and compassion in ways that have made a real difference this past year—whether through showing up consistently, stepping in when needed, or simply bringing kindness to those around you. The new year offers a chance to reflect, to reset, and to imagine what more we can achieve as a
community. It’s a moment to celebrate the progress we’ve made and to look ahead with optimism. Together, we’ll continue to build connections, support our neighbours, and create the kind of change that only volunteers can spark. Thank you for all you’ve given—and all we’ll continue to build—side by side in the year ahead. Here’s to a fresh start, renewed energy, and another year of making a difference.
Debbie Siertsema General Manager MCC Thrift & Gift
Lunch and Learn Join us on Thursday, January 15th from 12:00 – 12:30 pm at the shop for a lunch & learn with John and Deepti Bhattacharjee, MCC reps in Kolkata, India.
Volunteer Engagement Introduction As you know, we have taken our time in filling the role that Greg left in the spring, and I’m very pleased to share that we have now completed our hiring process. We had a number of strong candidates, which made the decision a challenging one. On January 6, we are excited to welcome Chrissy Bauman to the team as Volunteer Engagement Manager. Chrissy lives locally and joins us from Crowsfoot Market Garden in Conestogo and the Elmira Farmers Market. She brings valuable experience in social media and community outreach, and we’re looking forward to the energy and perspective she will add to our work. Please join me in giving Chrissy a warm welcome!
THRIFT VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2026
Cookie Contest Thank you to everyone who took part in our cookie contest this year! We were blown away by the creativity, colour, and captivating entries—choosing favourites was no easy task. Voting was lively, and the competition was tough in the best way. Winners will soon be announced in the following categories: • Most Creative • Most Colourful • Favourite Overall A huge thank-you to everyone who decorated, voted, and helped make this contest such a sweet success. Stay tuned for the big reveal!
THRIFT VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
Cookie contest decorating photos!
JANUARY 2026
JANUARY 2026
THRIFT VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
January
BIRTHDAYS
Dianne H Tricia C
1/1 1/1
Esther R Rita S Brenda R Lizzie M Mary A Mabel S
1/11 1/11 1/18 1/19 1/20 1/21
Volunteer gift card 20% off To celebrate the start of 2026 and express our gratitude for the incredible support from our volunteers, we’re offering a 20% discount on volunteer gift cards for this new year. This is a small token of thanks for the enthusiasm, generosity, and spirit that our volunteers bring to this work. We hope to continue to foster a sense of togetherness that makes our group so special. Let’s kick off the year with appreciation and excitement, looking forward to another twelve months of positive impact and shared achievements!
Your Voice Matters: Share Your Volunteer Experience! The MCC Ontario Volunteer Survey is Still Open! Thank you to everyone who has already completed the MCC Ontario Volunteer Survey. If you haven’t yet, there’s still time to share your thoughts and experiences as a volunteer with MCC Ontario. How to participate: • Complete the survey online: www.surveymonkey.com/r/MCCOVolunteerSurvey2025 • Or ask your MCC staff contact for a printed copy. The survey closes on January 31, 2026. Your feedback helps us shape an excellent volunteer experience. Thank you for all you do with MCC Ontario!
Sewing help needed! MCC recently received a donation of matched tops and backs that require extra fabric to be sewn on the back in order for comforters to be prepared for shipment. Volunteers have been working through them at the MCC Hub, but we need some help! If you or your sewing group would like to help, please contact Alecia Weber (aleciaweber@mcco.ca) or stop by the MCC Hub (65 Heritage Dr., New Hamburg) to pick up material while supplies last. Thanks in advance!
JANUARY 2026
THRIFT VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
Yulia’s Story of Resilience and Giving Back Yulia came to Canada very recently after the war in Ukraine made it nearly impossible for her family to remain in their home. She was grateful to find work quickly and began building a new life with her husband and young daughter. Although Yulia had never heard of MCC before, when her employer, Sony Interactive Entertainment, offered an opportunity to volunteer by packing hygiene kits, she felt strongly drawn to participate. During her visit and tour in 2025, she was deeply moved by MCC’s ongoing work to support those affected by the crisis in Ukraine. Through tears, Yulia shared her own experience of being on the receiving end of emergency supplies like these. She thanked MCC many times and explained that you cannot truly understand what it means to receive such items in a time of great need. The work you are doing in our Thrift shop is making it possible for Yulia and others in Ukraine to receive relief and hygiene kits, comforters and canned meat in a time of uncertainty.
Anna and her son receive food relief through an MCC partner in Ukraine, similar to Yulia’s experience. New Life Charitable Fund Photo/Pavlo Dariichuk
Be an Active Bystander Join our Training Active Bystanders (TAB) workshop and learn practical ways to respond to harmful or isolating behaviour in everyday life. Date: January 19, 2026 | Time: 1:30–4:00 PM ET | Online - Zoom MCC Ontario does not expect volunteers to enter unsafe situations— TAB is about building confidence for everyday scenarios. Register here: bit.ly/TABJan2026
New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Feature Quilt Reveal Each year, a talented individual or team creates a feature quilt for the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale, where hundreds of quilts are auctioned off in support of MCC. On January 27 at 9:30 a.m., the 2026 feature quilt will be unveiled! Join us in person in the foyer of Thrift on Kent in Kitchener for this exciting moment.