As you may have heard, Penny is no longer with us at MCC Thrift on Mill.
Penny led with both heart and humour, ensuring volunteers felt supported, valued and seen. She listened with genuine care and brought levity even on the busiest days. She made a lasting impact on Thrift on Mill and her community.
We would like your help in sending Penny off with warmth and encouragement. You are welcome to grab a card from the stationery department or write a personal note to share with her.
As she steps into her next chapter, we hope the
messages you share will remind her of the many lives she has touched.
Please share your cards, notes and mementos with me by March 30, 2026.
Thanks for all you do!
LiTunjia Olubusi
Volunteer Engagement Manager MCC Thrift on Mill
Inspiration from This Month’s Observances
March 8: International Women’s Day – Mary McLeod Bethune
Mary McLeod Bethune was a Black Christian educator who built a school with almost no resources and an enormous amount of faith. She believed education was a ministry, and service was an expression of love. Her courage and leadership opened doors for thousands, proving that one woman’s conviction in Christ can reshape a community.
March 9: Commonwealth Day – William Carey
William Carey (UK) was an ordinary shoemaker who felt an extraordinary call to serve. Through faith, persistence, and humility, he helped advance literacy, education, and uplift whole communities. His life reminds us that steady, everyday obedience can have world-changing impact — even when it starts in a small workshop.
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day – St. Patrick
St. Patrick turned personal hardship into purpose, returning to serve the very people who once enslaved him. His life shines as an example of forgiveness, courage, and unwavering trust in God’s call. He showed that love and faith can transform even the most unlikely circumstances into blessing.
VEM Inspiration
Dear Volunteers,
Spring begins this month — yay! Last month we enjoyed a potluck, Valentine cookie decorating, Raw Carrot Soup tasting, and MCC Program Updates from East Africa. I visited Cardinal Carter for a student career program, and we welcomed new CoOp students from LDSS and St. Clair College. The last month of winter was cold and busy, and it brought many new faces to Thrift on Mill. Thank you so very much for taking time out of your lives to continue MCC’s work of peace, relief, and development in Christ’s name. You are a blessing to us, and we are grateful for your service.
So far, 2026 has shown me that diligence builds confidence. When I am prepared, organized, and intentional about my days, I meet them with certainty. If I encounter hurdles, I can reroute and refocus because I planned ahead. This year has also reminded me to use daylight with intentionality, especially during the shorter days.
Now that the days are longer, what steps can you take to spring ahead of the busy season? Weddings, baby showers, graduations, and other celebrations will soon fill our calendars. How can we avoid feeling overwhelmed and still enjoy our loved ones’ events without distress? In my opinion, the answer is diligence. Intentionally plan each day, and you will meet it with tenacity and vigour.
March observances include Daylight Savings Time (March 1), International Women’s Day (March 8), Commonwealth Day (March 9), St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), and the first day of Spring (March 20)
Together, let’s enjoy the extra hour of sun, uplift the women in our lives, celebrate Canada’s rich history, bless others, and embrace the warmth of an Ontario spring!
With thanksgiving,
LiTunjia Olubusi
Volunteer Engagement Manager MCC Thrift on Mill
Volunteer Appreciation Event
Let’s celebrate the lives of our Thrift Family together! This month and throughout the year, we’ll celebrate birthdays with a potluck. We’ll provide the cake and ice cream—please bring a smile and a savoury snack to share (or both) on March 25, 2026!
Suggestion Box
Have questions or feedback you’d prefer to share anonymously? Drop your thoughts in the suggestion box located in the breakroom. We’ll address them in next month’s newsletter.
Thought of the Month
“Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23, AMP
March Respiratory Health Tip
Spring brings pollen, dust, and humidity, which can make the air feel heavier and trigger allergies. Regularly clean shelves and sorting areas to cut down on dust and prevent mold in damp spots — both common spring irritants.
Allergy-prone volunteers are welcome to wear masks and encouraged to take breaks from dusty tasks. A little airflow and a little care go a long way toward breathing easier this season.
Welcome Co-Op Students!
Our new co-op students, Josh, Blessing, Lea, and Jason joined us last month to gain workplace skills. Thank you for helping them gain their footing around the shop and welcoming them with open arms. If you see them around the shop, please say hello!
BIRTHDAYS March
Brandon Peters
Andrea Maceyovski
Edgar Konrad
March 2 March 9 March 13
John Froese
Pawdycree Sher
Edycree Sher
Cheryl Ross
Helena Friesen
Dylan Quiring
David Friesen
Nasser Al Deen Aldh
Abraham Klassen
March 15
March 16
March 16
March 17
March 22
March 22
March 25
March 25
March 31
Around the Shop
Josh Diego
Barb & June Valentine’s Fun
Helena turns 91
Melissa Celebrates 50 with Christina S
Larysa
Blessing
Lea
Sakkarin
Justina
Cookie Decorating
Karen Valentine’s Day Fun
Josh G
Craig
Nassar
Recipe of the Month
Open Volunteer Positions
Do you have friend with a heart for service and at least 2 hours to spare? We’re looking for more volunteers! Email litunjiaolubusi@mcco.ca or call LiTunjia Olubusi 519-326-3665 extension 312 for more information!
• Change Room Attendant - Keep things moving with tidy rooms, friendly smiles, and fashion advice on the fly!
• Sales Floor Helper – Love people and bargains? Help customers find hidden treasures!
• Donation Sorter – Be the first to discover donated gems behind the scenes!
• Cashier – Ring up sales with joy and send shoppers off with a smile!
• All-Around Helper – Jump in where needed and keep the shop running smoothly!
Welcome!
A warm welcome to Lana, Dylan, Diego, Sakkarin, and Larysa! Thank you for joining the Thrift on Mill volunteer team. Your fresh energy adds inspiration and warmth to
MCC in Ukraine
As the war passed its fourth year, Ukraine is a country filled with heartache and hope — heartache with the lives that have been taken and buildings that have been destroyed, and hope that the war will soon end.
Kateryna longed to protect her daughter Polina and give her a childhood despite the war. Feeling helpless, she reached out to MCC partner Reimer Center, where she finally felt understood. Polina began horse therapy (see photo), slowly learning to trust as she discovered how horses sense emotions. The first time she sat in the saddle, her face lit up. Kateryna saw her daughter come alive again— smiling, sincere, and truly a child.
A legacy of giving our best
MCC and MCC partners continue to support Ukrainians like Kateryna and her daughter with emergency food and mental health support. Read the latest MCC story from Ukraine: mcc.org/our-stories/learning-cope-adapt-ukrainefourth-anniversary-invasion-looms
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/undercurrents-ep-32-giving-our-best
Final Thoughts
March brings longer days and more sunshine. Will you join me in planning ahead so we can step confidently into the busy season?
