Keeping our valued volunteers informed
GM’s Corner
As we welcome March and the arrival of spring, we’re reminded that this season represents renewal, growth, and fresh momentum. Your dedication is what keeps our mission moving forward, and we are incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and heart you bring to our community. This month, we also recognize International Women’s Day on March 8. It’s an opportunity
to celebrate the achievements and leadership of women everywhere—especially the many remarkable women within our volunteer team whose compassion and commitment make a lasting impact. With longer days ahead, we look forward to new opportunities to serve and grow together. Thank you for all that you do. Let’s make this a strong and inspiring spring season.
Debbie Siertsema
General Manager
MCC Thrift & Gift
Chrissy’s Corner
March brings the promise of longer days and warmer weather! Be sure to mark your calendars— March 8 is the start of Daylight Saving Time. Don’t forget to “spring forward” and set your clocks one hour ahead… or you might find yourself running late!
As I settle into the rhythm of the shop, I’m enjoying the mix of busy, exciting days and quieter moments where everyone works together—chatting, sorting, pricing, and tidying. Training in all areas has given me a greater appreciation for the amazing work our volunteers do every day.
We’re happy to welcome new volunteers to MCC Thrift & Gift! Please say hello to Katie, Ty, Lewis, and Jonathan when you see them in the store. We’re grateful for their help and energy.
Our Popcorn Taste Test was a hit, and there are still plenty of flavours to try! Thank you to everyone who
voted for Ranch and Salt were clear favourites. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we also enjoyed treats at our Hot Chocolate Bar, a fun way to brighten the winter blahs. Watch for more fun activities coming soon!
To help build a community, I’m creating slides for the Breakroom TV. If you have photos from trips or adventures you’d like to share, please send them with a short caption. Photos will only be shared on Breakroom TV.
Please send submissions to ChrissyBauman@mcco.ca or text (519) 778-8695.
Chrissy Bauman Volunteer Engagement Manager MCC Thrift & Gift
March
BIRTHDAYS
Sheryl F
Shirley B
Karen W
Kevin B
Pam K 3/7 3/8 3/12 3/18 3/19
Housewares - Pricing Cashier
Thrift Shop Floor Support
Receiving Attendant
Vintage - Sorting
Renewed through a Gift of Giving
“A volunteer discovered some partially sewn quilt patches and squares among our donations, just waiting to be turned into something special. Lorna combined vibrant colourful squares with intricate stitching to create eye-catching quilt tops that blend tradition with modern flair.” Lorna shared that she loves taking something that may have been thrown out and make something beautiful with it.
Aren’t they lovely!
These quilts are then provided to the New Hamburg Relief Sale or, depending on how they end up, they may return to the MCC Thrift & Gift for sale.
If you have a creative talent you’d like to share or have found yourself making something from something that might be discarded, we’d be delighted to feature more of your work in this newsletter.
Reader’s Choice Award
In 2025, MCC Thrift and Gift was awarded Gold in the Consignment/Thrift Store category of the Record Reader’s Choice Awards. We recently received this lovely acknowledgement of this award. This award is only possible thanks to our amazing volunteers.
A legacy of giving our best
At the MCC Hub in New Hamburg, Thrift and Material Resources (kit packing and distribution) share space. The connection between Thrift and aid distribution goes back decades, though. Learn how they are connected in the latest episode of Undercurrents (MCC Ontario’s podcast) and get a behind-the-scenes look at everything that takes place at the MCC Hub. Watch the video for the full experience here: mcc.org/our-stories/undercurrentsep-32-giving-our-best
