MARCH 2026
THRIFT VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
Keeping our valued volunteers informed
GM’s Corner I landed on my backside recently, while crossing an intersection on a street covered with slick, hardened snow. My keys were in one hand, computer bag in the other, and my backpack was slung over my shoulder. When I decided to cross, I was alert to the fact that an approaching car was a safe distance away. In the seconds between landing horizontal and hobbling across the remainder of the street, I experienced shock, pain, and acute awareness that the driver had headlights shining on what could have been a viral blooper reel. Once home, my son, who is in a college Athletic Therapy program, took the opportunity to do an assessment, determining the extent of damage I had incurred, and what adjustments may be required. Road conditions, weather, footwear, and inattention contributed to my mishap. The follow-up assessment ensured that I took any necessary action. At Thrift on Kent, it’s important that we pay attention to and assess the conditions we’re working in. The Health and Safety of all who enter our building must be a top priority. We’ve been identifying some ongoing challenges in our workroom, contributing to hazards, impacting workflow, and resulting in tight workspaces.
Our assessment is that some changes are needed and that it seems prudent to make these happen in March, our slower season. We anticipate little impact to your weekly volunteering routine. However, within the next couple of weeks, you will notice workstations and racking being moved to create better workspace, storage areas, and safer conditions. Some work areas will be more affected than others. Luke Cotie, our Assistant Manager (Workroom), has given a lot of thought to this new layout. He, along with our staff team plan to complete the change by March 14. Your feedback in the weeks following will be appreciated as we evaluate and then make any necessary tweaks. Thank you for bearing with us through the “pain” of making necessary adjustments to ensure the continued health and success of Thrift on Kent. And thank you for your ongoing attention to the wellbeing of the people around you while you volunteer. Let’s keep the viral blooper reels from happening in our Shop!
Tim Albrecht
General Manager MCC Thrift on Kent
Staff Highlight: What do you know about Joanie? Joanie started volunteering at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre when her youngest son was 3 years old. He is now 35! She joined the board later on and didn’t particularly enjoy it. So, when a position opened for Softline, she applied and got the job. It was 2 days a week and wasn’t a paid position, but she received a stipend for her work. She remembers when the store made $1,000 in a day and was considered amazing income for Thrift! In her free time, Joanie likes to hike, cycle, cross-country ski and read.