As we move into June and the start of summer, this season often brings a renewed sense of energy and growth. Gardens begin to fill in, outdoor projects get underway, and many of us find ourselves spending more time building, improving, or caring for the spaces around us.
Here at MCC Thrift, that same sense of growth has been present throughout the shop. Over the past months, we’ve continued making changes; reorganizing spaces, improving workflows, hosting events like our plant sale, and finding new ways to better serve our volunteers, customers, and community. While change can sometimes take patience and adjustment, it is all part of continuing to build something healthy, welcoming, and sustainable for the future.
Growth rarely happens all at once. More often, it comes through steady effort, consistency, and people who are willing to take ownership and make things better than they found them.
As Father’s Day approaches, I think about the many ways men and fathers often model those qualities through the way they provide, support, teach, fix, encourage, and quietly serve the people around them. While those roles may look different for each person, steady and dependable leadership leaves a lasting impact.
That same spirit is present throughout our shop.
It shows up in those willing to move donations, repair fixtures, organize spaces, solve problems, mentor others, and step in wherever help is needed. Much of this work happens quietly and behind the scenes, but it plays a vital role in helping this place continue to grow and thrive.
Becoming a father has also given me a deeper appreciation for how much influence can come through everyday actions. The way we respond to challenges, care for others, and take responsibility often shapes the people around us more than we realize.
Whether you’ve been here for years or are newer to the shop, each of you helps shape what this place becomes.
Growth happens when ordinary people faithfully care for what they’ve been given.
Thank you for the many ways you continue to serve, build, lead, and invest in this community.
Wishing you a meaningful Father’s Day.
John Himes General Manager MCC Thrift, St. Catharines
Tyson D –Receiving
Jeremy MReceiving
Sage M –Processing
Ryan S –Receiving
Bonnie B – Retail Processing
Moses W –Processing Processing Processing
Plant Sale
Thank You for Helping Our First Plant Sale Bloom!
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make MCC Thrift St. Catharines’ first annual Plant Sale such a success — from donors, volunteers, and staff, to everyone who came out to shop and support the event!
With beautiful weather, great community energy, and lots of excitement throughout the day, the Plant Sale raised over $2,800 on the day of the event alone, and more than $3,100 overall including sales in the days that followed.
A special shoutout to Wes Couture-Burke, whose leadership and hard work helped bring this event to life.
Thank you to everyone who helped plant the seeds for what we hope will continue to grow for years to come. We’re already looking forward to next year!
Meet Shania Ashun-Wallace!
Many of you may already recognize Shania from volunteering on the retail floor at MCC Thrift St. Catharines and now she’s joining us this summer as our Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) employee!
Shania began on May 12 as an Associate Workroom
- Receiving and is excited to continue learning more about thrift operations and the different areas of the shop.
We asked Shania a few questions so everyone could get to know her a little better!
What drew you to MCC Thrift?
“I loved shopping here before I started volunteering and was encouraged to come volunteer because of the kindness of the volunteers. After volunteering, I loved being at MCC and the community within it.”
What are you most excited about in your new role?
“I am super eager to learn more about each department and each specific job because they all have a similar outcome and are done in such different ways.”
What’s something you’ve already enjoyed from your time volunteering here?
“I have enjoyed getting to be a part of a warm community and getting to know different people every
day! Talking and laughing with customers, volunteers, and staff are always a great time!”
What are you hoping to learn or gain from this experience?
“I hope to gain further time management and organizational skills while working at MCC!”
A Few Fun Facts About Shania
• Favourite song: Ladies Room by Olivia Dean
• Favourite movie: Zootopia
• Favourite show: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
• Drink of choice: Matcha!
• Favourite snack: Popcorn
• Free time activities: Long walks and shopping
Be sure to say hello and help us continue giving Shania a warm welcome this summer!
Seniors Month Appreciation
June is Seniors Month, a special time to celebrate and thank the incredible older adults in our volunteer community. Your kindness, dedication, and willingness to give your time make a meaningful difference, and we are truly grateful for all that you do. There are many ways you could spend your time, and we deeply appreciate that you choose to share it with us. Thank you for your generosity, your wisdom, and the positive impact you make every day.
Farewell Juliana!
Volunteer Summer Picnic Save the Date
Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Location: Bethany Community Church (1388 Third Louth St, St. Catharines)
Juliana moved to Canada from Brazil in 2021. As a newcomer, she was looking for a welcoming place to build social connections and practice her English. Over the past two years, she has grown in confidence and language skills and has become a valued member of our clothing processing team. Juliana’s family is moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia so she is no longer able to volunteer with us. She will be greatly missed. Thank you, Juliana, for two wonderful years of volunteering with us!
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
