June brings us warmer days, brighter mornings, and the welcome feeling that summer is just around the corner. As we approach the longest day of the year, it is a lovely reminder of how light can stretch further than we expect and how a season can invite fresh energy, hope, and connection.
At this time of year, we are especially grateful for each of you. The time, care, and kindness you give make a real difference in the lives of others and in the strength of our community. Your willingness
to show up, help out, and share your gifts brings warmth and encouragement in ways that matter every day.
As summer begins, we hope this season brings you moments of rest, joy, and renewal. Thank you for being such an important part of all we do. We are truly thankful for your continued support and the bright spirit you bring to our work.
Debbie Siertsema
General Manager
MCC Thrift & Gift
June
BIRTHDAYS
Norma B
Lewis A
Lakshmi K
Mary M
Marg M
Guenther M
Lena M
Sue B
James H
Lorna M
Doreen B
Samantha B
Betty H
Housewares - Pricing
Receiving Attendant
Receiving Attendant
Store Display Merchandising
Clothing - Pricing
Receiving Attendant
Store Display Merchandising
Cashier, Offsite
Receiving Attendant
Purses/Bags – Pricing, Offsite
Store Display Merchandising
Thrift Shop Floor Support, Toys - Pricing
Store Display Merchandising, Thrift Shop Floor Support, Housewares - Pricing
Chrissy’s Corner
In a world where the news can sometimes feel heavy or discouraging, I am often reminded at MCC just how good people truly are and how much of a difference we can make together. Sometimes our individual jobs may seem small, but when we combine our efforts, we can help relieve suffering, build peace, and create meaningful relationships. A beautiful example of this happened last month. One of our volunteers was quietly working away when they noticed a customer in the store on the phone, trying to decide whether they could afford a mobility walker for a loved one. Even though the walker was already heavily discounted, the customer was still carefully weighing the cost. In a kind and respectful way, the MCC volunteer approached the customer, listened to their situation, and then generously purchased the walker for them. What an incredible display of empathy and compassion.
This is what makes our MCC Thrift shops so special. We care for one another. Through simple
Remember When…..
acts of kindness, we make a real difference in our communities and beyond.
Chrissy Bauman Volunteer Engagement Manager MCC Thrift & Gift
Remember When…..
After a conversation at the volunteer table, it became apparent that reminiscing would be a fun way to bring back memories and stories from years past. In the manager’s report below, you may see some similarities to 2026. :)
Here are a couple of blasts from the past. Enjoy!
From the June 2007 Newsletter
Betty Marshall’s manager’s report - It has been a busy May. Garage sales galore. Lots of leftovers and people cleaning out their houses, moving, etc. Our back rooms are full and overflowing. An extra hand is needed daily. It seems every year, people have more and more stuff. We are a country of excess. It is also holiday time and volunteers like to go on holidays. Enjoy the summer, have a great time and drive safe.
Special volunteers
The following snippet is from a story provided about Minerva Kraemer’s travel to New Orleans in March 2007.
Our adventure to New Orleans was a time to remember. The weather was mostly balmy, while you were huddling in your houses to stay out of the storm. We missed all of them. We did have some cool weather for a few days. One night, there was a tornado just a few miles from us, damaging more houses, some that had been almost ready to move in after having been fixed up from Katrina. One woman died when her FEMA trailer was tossed about. The city is just a bit larger than KW. The population is 500,000 and they think close to half have not returned or died in the storm. Katrina happened a year ago last Aug. 80% of the city was flooded, some places up to ten feet. Most of the money the government has sent has been used to put up new pumps and new levees. Many houses are still empty. Many street signs are still missing, which makes it very challenging to find your way around in a strange city. There are many boulevards and one-way streets and roundabouts. There are
numerous church groups and there is work for all. This is a real testimony for many people. Those we met in the store or in a restaurant often came to thank us for being there and for donating money. The city does not look appealing in many areas. The PA, Weaverland Disaster Service operated the base where we served from. Every Monday morning two vans came, one pulling a trailer with food supplies which have all been donated. They start off Sun. around 2pm, drive all night and arrive about 9:30. They are very tired.
My day started with the alarm ringing at 4:30 to get myself ready for the day and go make breakfast for 34 people, mostly hungry boys. They made their own lunch before breakfast. We washed celery and grapes, cut them to size and packaged them with baby carrots. We packaged five-gallon pails of dried apples. Also, apples and bananas. There were usually four or five ladies, so someone made bread or buns, cakes or pies. We bought 25 loaves of bread each week. Then there was the meat and potatoes to plan and get ready.
Irvin worked in the houses putting in cupboards, etc. the people were very appreciative, which made it easier to put forth all the effort. While we were there the Mardi Gras was going. There were parades where many coloured beads are thrown. Crowds of tourists come to this event. Streets are lined with bleachers. Mardi Gras was based on the time when the wise men came to see baby Jesus, but I don’t think much of that is left.
We thank God for watching over us and giving us the strength to fulfill our duties. We enjoyed it very much.
We are thankful for Minerva and Irvin’s work during their time with MCC Thrift & Gift. This recollection reminds me of our many blessings.
Strawberry Thanksgiving and Communion
Saturday, June 13 from 9am – 1pm at Six Nations Polytechnic in Oshweken, Ontario
You’re warmly invited to Strawberry Thanksgiving and Communion on Saturday, June 13, 2026. This year’s event will seek to build on the momentum of last year’s conversation about the Spiritual Covenant, which is a way to acknowledge Indigenous jurisdiction over lands through an annual token lease payment. $20 is recommended to help cover the cost of lunch. mcc.org/strawberry-thanksgiving
Lunch and Listen: MCC in Asia
Whether you can join live online at Facebook.com/ MCCOntario or in person at the MCC office in Kitchener, a Lunch and Listen is an opportunity to hear from workers in field internationally. On June 23, we’ll be joined by the area directors for MCC in Asia with a special update from Myanmar. No registration is required. Learn more at mcc.org/events
Learning Tour in Timmins, Ontario
Pack your bags and get ready to be inspired and learn as we embark on an exciting journey to connect and engage with organizations and partners of MCC Ontario’s Indigenous Neighbours program in Timmins, Ontario. mcc.org/events/timmins-learning-tour
