July 2026 Volunteer Newsletter Leamington

Keeping our valued volunteers informed

GM’s Corner

Hopefully, everyone is enjoying the beautiful summer weather!

Thank you to all of our phenomenal volunteers for everything you do as a team to help make Thrift on Mill successful. Our volunteers, customers and donors are an integral part of our organizational success.

VEM Inspiration

Hello Volunteers,

Thank you for continuing to make a difference in your community and across the world with your service at MCC Thrift on Mill. Your contributions help us rightly steward the influx of donations, customers, and donors. Your service also helps us make a difference at home and internationally. Together, we helped distribute:

• 22,500 cans of meat

• 953 comforters

• 1,760 school kits and

• Care to 42 community members transitioning from homelessness (Source: MCC Ontario, “Your Impact: Ontario Winter 2026.”)

Last month was a month of staff surges! We

Canada Day Celebration

Join us in commemorating Canada Day at 12pm on Tuesday, July 7, with a special lunch! RSVP by July 4, 2026, simply calling/ emailing LiTunjia (519) 326-3665 ext. 312 litunjiaolubusi@mcco.ca

Of course, while our day-to-day tasks are WHAT we do, let’s always remember WHY we do it. MCC is an extraordinary team of people making a difference in the lives of others in our community and around the world.

Scott Collier General Manager MCC Thrift on Mill

welcomed Nancy back to Thrift on Mill and gained two summer associates, Jenn and AJ. Jenn is retailfocused, so you will see her in the front making the store look its best. AJ is a workroom associate, and he’ll be helping in donations and processing to keep things flowing and tidy. Would you give them a warm welcome when you see them around?

This month’s observances include Disability Pride Month, Canada Day (July 1), World Chocolate Day (July 7), National Chocolate Day (July 18), and the International Day of Friendship (July 30). Join me in celebrating the diverse abilities of our community, Canada’s beauty, and the sweet treats and friendships that bring us together!

LiTunjia

Olubusi Volunteer Engagement Manager MCC Thrift on Mill

Around the Shop

BIRTHDAYS July

Mary Lou Enns

Louise Wiper

Joanne Brown

Diane Froese

Mary Fehr

Patty Stocco

Book - Pricing Thrift Shop Floor Support

Clothing - Sorting Cashier

Cashier

Clothing - Prep

Thought of the Month

“Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun.”

VEM Recipe

For this month’s recipe of the month, we have a couple of chicken-related dishes, as we will soon have the opportunity to try some delicious canned chicken prepared at the MCC Meat Cannery in New Hamburg. Details below.

Friendly Reminder

We’ll be closed on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, for Canada Day. Enjoy a day of in celebration of Canada’s dominion, we’ll celebrate together when you return to work the next week on July 6, 2026 at noon!

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)

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.

MCC Event: You’re invited!

An Evening with MCC: Global Stories, Location Action

Tuesday, July 21st at 7pm

Heritage Centre – 31 Pickwick Drive, Leamington

Join us to hear stories from MCC’s work in Uganda and explore how Material Resources and the meat cannery connect local efforts to global impact. All are welcome!