GM’s Corner
Celebrate What July Brings
July brings many opportunities to celebrate generosity, rest, family, and friendship. As we move into the month, there are plenty of reasons to gather and enjoy the season together. One highlight for this month is the completion of our newly paved parking lot. By the time this newsletter is shared, it will have been finished for about a month. While the newness may not last forever, it is something worth enjoying and appreciating now. We are also looking forward to Canada Day. The shop will be filled with red and white items to help mark the occasion. I hope you will have a chance to dress in your festive colours and enjoy the sparkle of fireworks in the evening sky.
Fun Dates and Activities to Celebrate this month
• July 8 – National Blueberry Day: Bring in your favourite blueberry recipe.
• July 15 – Give Something Away Day: Bring in one item you no longer need.
• July 22 – National Hammock Day: Take time for a little rest—whether in a hammock or not. :) ADD Hammock picture somewhere in here
• July 26 - National Aunt & Uncle Day – Share stories of your favourite aunt or uncle
Welcome Sabrina!
• July 30International Day of Friendship –Bring your friend thrifting
Each month gives us new reasons to celebrate, and July is no exception. Your friendships and family bring this community together and for that we are grateful. Whether you are donating, shopping, volunteering, or simply sharing a smile with a friend, thank you for helping make our Thrift community a warm and welcoming place for everyone.
Debbie Siertsema
General Manager
MCC Thrift & Gift
Sabrina Hawley will be joining us this summer in the Canada Summer Job position as Warehouse Receiver. She will be working closely with Lori and Lisa and managing the Summer Rummage Sale (possible opening July 6 – sunny days only). Many of you will recognize Sabrina from her time volunteering with us in the retail shop and as a cashier. Sabrina began this role on June 22 and we are very excited to welcome her to the staff team for the summer.
Chrissy’s Corner
Thank you all for your continued service during this busy spring season at MCC Thrift & Gift! We are so thankful for the time, care, and kindness each of you brings to the shop every week. Here’s a quick recap of what has been happening lately.
In May, we opened our Garden Centre with the help of the Hilltop Club. They worked hard cleaning up the back grass area to mow and helping Jen prepare the Garden Centre for opening day. We truly appreciated their support and teamwork.
Since then, we have welcomed two school classes to the shop. The students learned about what we do at MCC Thrift & Gift and helped price shoes, check board games, and price puzzles. We would also like to thank our volunteers for being so accommodating during these visits, as we know they disrupted some regular break times. Your patience and flexibility helped make these experiences successful and welcoming for the students.
We were also excited to host a fashion class from Elmira District Secondary School. The students helped dress the mannequins and store displays, as well as assist in the back. Having schools visit
BIRTHDAYS July
Joyce D
Connor W
Floyd G
Pamela R
Ron M
Linda W
Florence W
Marilyn G
Kathy G
Mary Eby
Kaitlyn Frey
Betty H
Phyllis R
our little shop is a wonderful opportunity to teach younger generations about reducing, reusing, and recycling, while also introducing them to the rewarding world of volunteering.
The parking lot paving project is now complete! The improvements have helped traffic flow and smoothed out many of the dips and potholes. We are very thankful to all our volunteers for being so accommodating during the week the shop was closed and for helping us get everything running smoothly again afterward.
Lastly, we would like to send our very best wishes to Lucille Martin as she finishes volunteering with us after an incredible 30 years of service. What an amazing milestone! We are deeply thankful for her dedication over the years and wish her all the best as she continues helping at Christian Aid Ministries through Reapers of Hope, closer to her home.
Thank you again to all our volunteers for everything you do. Your kindness and dedication make a difference every day.
Chrissy Bauman Volunteer Engagement Manager
MCC Thrift & Gift
Crafts/Fabric - Sorting
Receiving Attendant
Electrical
Receiving Attendant
Receiving Attendant
Clothing - Pricing
Clothing - Sorting
Cashier, Thrift Shop Floor Support
Cashier, Clothing - Pricing
Cashier
Receiving Attendant; Linens, Purses, Toys
Housewares - Pricing
Clothing - Pricing
Volunteer Opportunities
Receiving Department: We are looking for daytime volunteers to help in our Donation Centre. If you enjoy staying active and working behind the scenes, we would love your help!
Watch Tester: This off-site position can be done from home and includes changing batteries and testing watches. All tools and equipment are provided. The role takes approximately 5–10 hours per week.
Interested or know someone who may be a good fit?
Please contact Chrissy
Email: chrissybauman@mcco.ca
Phone: 519-669-8475
Teacup Event: Teacup Flower Arranging Evening
In an effort to spend time together and learn something new, we are excited to offer a Teacup Flower Arranging Evening! Mary Arjune will guide participants through the ba sics of flower arranging. No experience is needed, just a good attitude and a willingness to have fun.
The event will take place on July 24th from 6:00–8:00 p.m. We will use donated teacups and local flowers to create beautiful arrangements that can either be taken home or sold in the store. Any money raised from the teacup arrangements will be donated toward MCC relief efforts.
Sign-up sheets will be available in the break room. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up early. We hope to see you there!
Thank You!
A special thank you to Anna Martin for the many years she has faithfully cared for the shop’s flower beds. Your hard work and attention help keep our store looking beautiful, and your efforts are truly appreciated.
We would also like to thank all of our volunteers who quietly help behind the scenes. Everything you do, big or small, helps make our store a wonderful place. We appreciate each and every one of you!
You’re Invited: Bucket of Thanks
From the MCC Hub in New Hamburg, thousands of kits, cans and comforters get shipped around the world. Discover the care that goes into a kit and pack one yourself for someone affected by conflict or disaster. See how we meet urgent needs and make a global impact — one kit at a time. Join us on August 29 at the MCC Hub (65 Heritage Dr., New Hamburg).
MCC Thrift & Gift Word Search
Your chance to taste (and order) your own canned meat!
MCC’s Material Resources (MR) and Thrift are partnering for an exciting pilot in July and August. This is a short, learning focused pilot designed to build awareness, test customer interest, and gather insights before considering any longer-term direction.
What the pilot includes:
• Volunteer taste testing and introduction of canned meat in each shop during July.
• Pre-orders from volunteers, staff, and shoppers will be taken.
• A dedicated in shop engagement will happen in August.
Key timelines:
• Early June–mid July: Volunteer taste testing and education
• Mid-July–Aug 31: Pre-orders open
• Week of Sept 14: In-shop pick-ups, engagement, and same-day sales (supported by MR)
Some recipes to try are included! This is a great opportunity to deepen our connection to MCC’s global relief work and support our story locally in Ontario. We look forward to the feedback.
