GM’s Corner
As we celebrate Canada Day this month, I’ve been thinking about quilts.
That may seem like an unusual place to start, but after hearing about this year’s New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale and seeing the incredible quilts and comforters that are such a central part of the event, I couldn’t help but think about what they represent.
A quilt begins as many different pieces. Different colours. Different patterns. Different textures. Each piece has its own story, but when stitched together with care and purpose, they become something stronger, warmer, and more beautiful than any one piece could be by itself.
In many ways, communities are built the same way. What struck me most was not simply the craftsmanship of the quilts themselves. It was the reminder of how often MCC’s work begins when people come together. The quilts sold at the Relief Sale help raise funds for MCC’s work around the world. At the same time, churches, sewing groups, and volunteers across North America continue to make knotted comforters that are shipped as material aid to people facing conflict, disaster, displacement, and hardship. Different projects, but the same spirit: many hands working together to bring hope and comfort to others.
That spirit is woven throughout MCC’s story. Many Mennonite families have their own stories of migration and resettlement, and of the people who helped them build a new life in a new place. More recently, MCC’s Better Together campaign has reminded us that welcoming newcomers and helping people find a place to belong remains an important part of who we are. Through Migration and Resettlement, MCC continues to walk alongside refugees as they rebuild their lives and become part of new communities. For many, belonging begins because someone chose to make room for them.
In many ways, our shop tells a similar story.
Every week, volunteers, staff, customers, and donors bring their own gifts, experiences, personalities, and perspectives. Some have been part of MCC for decades. Others are just beginning their journey. Together, those differences help create something meaningful.
Some of the best parts of this shop happen between the tasks. A conversation over coffee. A shared laugh. A helping hand. A new friendship. Small moments that remind us that people matter just as much as the work we do.
Like a quilt, this community is made stronger because each person contributes something unique. Whether you’ve been here for years or joined us recently, you are part of what makes this place what it is. Belonging begins when people choose to make room for one another.
Thank you for helping make MCC Thrift a place where people can contribute, connect, and belong.
Wishing you and your families a happy Canada Day.
John Himes General Manager MCC Thrift,
St. Catharines
Sara M – Retail
Kya S –Processing
Sami L – Retail Processing
Declan Y - Retail
New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale and Thrift on Kent Visit
What better way to enjoy a sunny Saturday than to attend an event with delicious food and amazing hand-crafted quilts that is raising funds for MCC! The 60th New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale had no shortage of things to see, do and taste. This year’s sale brought in over $350,000 to support the work of MCC at home and around the world. Sherry found Vic and Esther Ens enjoying some of the good food found at the sale.
Vic and Esther Ens, along with Sandra and Alvin Enns, also travelled to Kitchener recently. They stopped in at a sister Thrift shop (MCC Thrift on Kent), and had the chance to catch up with our previous General Manager, Tim Albrecht. Events like the Mennonite Relief Sale and visiting other MCC Thrift shops are wonderful ways to experience MCC’s mission in action, connect with others, and learn more about the impact MCC is making in communities here and around the world.
Compassion is Canadian
As part of MCC’s Better Together campaign, we were pleased to welcome Moses, MCC Ontario’s Migration and Resettlement Program Coordinator, to our shop. Moses shared about MCC’s work alongside refugees and newcomers as they rebuild their lives and find belonging in communities across Ontario. We also featured a Better Together display in the shop and distributed “Compassion is Canadian” buttons to help spark conversations and raise awareness. We hope these efforts continue to encourage our shoppers and volunteers to learn more about the important work MCC is doing and the difference welcoming communities can make.
Stories by the Shore
Several staff, volunteers, constituents, and supporters from our MCC community had the opportunity to attend MCC Ontario’s Stories by the Shore event this past month. While the weather had other plans and the event was relocated from the shoreline to a local church, the stories, connections, and sense of community were no less impactful. The evening featured inspiring stories of MCC’s work and the impact being made both locally and around the world. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, learn more about MCC’s mission, and be reminded of the many ways lives are being changed through relief, development, and peace. We left encouraged by the stories we heard and grateful to be part of a larger community working together to make a difference.
Volunteer Summer Picnic Details
Volunteer Appreciation SUMMER PICNIC
You show up week after week and it matters! Enjoy a fun evening of good food, great company and connection.
WED., JULY 22, 6 - 8 PM
Bethany Community Church Pavilion 1388 Third St. Louth, St. Catharines (map on back)
Confirm your spot with Sherry Main by June 27
Bring a guest ($25/per guest, payment required in advance)
*Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair
Senior’s Month
June was Seniors Month and we took some time to celebrate and thank all of our volunteers. Not all of our volunteers are seniors, but a large number are older adults who generously share their time, experience, and energy with us. We are thankful for the meaningful impact our volunteers are making in both our local community and communities around the world through MCC.
We gave chocolate bars and bookmarks the first week in June as a small token of our appreciation. We see the care our volunteers bring, the time they give, and the difference they make every single shift!
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.
