JANUARY 2026
THRIFT VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
Keeping our valued volunteers informed
GM’s Corner As the calendar changes to 2026, the story of MCC Thrift (formerly Christian Benefit Thrift Shop) in St. Catharines continues! January 12 marks the 52nd anniversary of our Shop, which opened in 1974. The opening chapter was one of vision and excitement. Passionate MCC supporters came together to establish a shop that could meet the needs of its community AND raise money to contribute to the ongoing relief, development, and peace efforts of the Mennonite Central Committee. In the years since that humble beginning, new and faithful volunteers joined the story, establishing successful business practices, relocating numerous times, and continuing to serve the community with love. In 2007, a new chapter began with a decision to move from volunteer management to paid staff, who oversaw the work of volunteers. Managers Phil and Joan Steininger led the move to our current Grantham Avenue facility in 2009. Within a few years, a team of three staff, led by Matt Kok, had made their mark.
when I took on a role as General Manager. I was blessed to be supported by a strong volunteer team, an Operations Council, and MCC Ontario Thrift leadership. Over the past decade we have experienced technological changes, COVID shutdowns, an expanding staff and volunteer team, a major renovation, and increased revenue. What a joy it has been for me to be a character in this story! This month, my role as General Manager (GM) in this story will come to an end as I transition to give leadership in a GM role at another MCC Thrift Shop in Kitchener. However, my heart for the people at MCC Thrift, St. Catharines, will carry on! I will continue to support the efforts of those who have faithfully served for so many years, and I will cheer on new characters who lead and become involved in the MCC Thrift story. May the God of peace, who directs this story, continue to guide the characters in the chapters ahead. Thank you for your part in the MCC Thrift story. Keep on!
I became part of this story in October 2014,
Tim Albrecht
General Manager MCC Thrift, St. Catharines
Save-the-Date Farewell to Tim (General Manager) Sunday, January 25th (2:30 – 4:30 pm) [short program at 3:00 pm] Location: Scott Street Church 339 Scott St., St. Catharines
JANUARY 2026
THRIFT VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
MCC Thrift Christmas Open House - Hiedleburg
Althea E. and Dini K.
Anna I., Mary H., Elvera B.
Irene F., Donna W., Doreen G.
Bob D., Martha, Linda J.
Jackie M. Irene G. (MCC Ontario Board Nicole CB with Wyatt (Wes’ wife and Member), Liz B. son), Taya H. with Skyla (John’s wife and daughter)
Tymbi G. and Linda D.
Around the shop
Tim and Sherry attended a Fashion Show at Ridley College, with a popup booth, selling thrifted fashion and Helen, our oldest volunteer, celebrated her 95th birthday. She has served MCC Thrift for more than 30 years! Here she is in the empty clothing cage.
A Ridley College student models clothing from MCC Thrift.
Neighbourhood Card Making & School Kit Packing Event – hosted by Queenston Neighbours and MCC’s Community Mobilizer, Tim Shields
JANUARY 2026
THRIFT VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
January
BIRTHDAYS
Bob D. Aycha S. Richard S. Ed B. Taylor Y. Gerry W. Crystal L. Janis J.
1 6 10 11 11 12 14 16
Hailey O. Gita D. Karen T. Gabriel L. Jr. Anna L. Ida C.
Welcome! Welcome to the following new volunteers who joined us recently!
Chrystal L. (Retail)
Adela (Processing)
Hung D. (Processing)
Lou F. (Receiving)
Mercy S. (Processing)
Delphine P (Processing)
Delsoz P (Processing)
Gwendolen M (Retail)
Leo C (Receiving)
Sharon C (Processing)
21 23 23 23 31 31
THRIFT VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2026
Thank you for contributing to the success of our Give Every Gift campaign!
In December, we challenged ourselves to raise enough to give every gift in the MCC Christmas Giving Guide. If each of our active volunteers and staff members contributed $5, we knew we could surpass the $786 required to give every gift. Our final tally after one week of giving during volunteer shifts was $797!
Upcoming National Popcorn Day is January 19th. As you have no doubt experienced, popcorn can be eaten plain, unsalted, unbuttered, buttered, with caramel and so many other flavours. We are going to have National Popcorn Week in the Shop from January 19-24. Get ready to enjoy some freshly popped popcorn during our breaktimes.
JANUARY 2026
THRIFT VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
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!
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