Keeping our valued volunteers informed
GM’s Corner
Grateful to Serve and Growing Together
As we step into March, I want to begin with something simple and important: Thank you.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your General Manager. Stepping into this role is both a privilege and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. Many of you know me already, but for those who don’t, I’ve had the joy of serving here in different capacities, and I continue to be inspired by what happens inside these walls every single day.
What stands out to me most isn’t just the volume of donations, the busy chaotic days, or even the numbers we celebrate. It’s the people. It’s you.
It’s the way you show up faithfully.
It’s the care you take when sorting and pricing.
It’s the patience you offer customers.
It’s the dignity you extend to every person who walks through our doors.
That quiet, consistent faithfulness is what truly makes this place special.
March often brings thoughts of St. Patrick’s Day. In our culture, it can sometimes get reduced to green decorations and celebrations. But the real Saint Patrick’s story is much deeper.
Patrick was once taken captive as a young man. After escaping and returning home, he made the remarkable decision to go back, not for revenge, not for recognition, but to serve. He returned to the very people and land where he had once suffered, choosing instead to bring hope, faith, and compassion.
His life reminds us that transformation often comes through service. Through returning. Through showing up with courage and humility.
In many ways, that is what I see happening here every week.
You show up.
You serve.
You create space for dignity.
You help turn donated goods into global relief, development, and peace.
You help turn everyday moments into encounters of kindness.
The work you do reaches far beyond this store. It supports families locally. It strengthens communities globally. It reflects MCC’s mission in tangible, practical ways.
And just like Saint Patrick’s story wasn’t about celebration but about calling, our work isn’t about transactions. It’s about impact.
As we move forward together this spring season, my hope is that we continue building a culture marked by Gratitude, Humility, Generosity and Joy.
I am excited for what lies ahead. I am grateful for the foundation that has been built. And I am thankful to serve alongside each of you as we continue this important work together.
Thank you for being the heart of this ministry.
John Himes General Manager MCC Thrift, St. Catharines
BIRTHDAYS
3 4 6 7 9
Welcome to the following new volunteers who joined us recently!
Kaley Y
Danita G (Retail)
C (Retail/ Processing/ Receiving – Co-op Placement)
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/ undercurrents-ep-32-giving-our-best
Around the Shop
Volunteers and staff enjoyed dressing in red, pink and/or hearts during Valentine’s Week (Feb. 9-14). For those who participated there was a draw for small edible prizes given away at each break-time. Thanks to all staff and volunteers for participating and bringing a little colour into what can otherwise be long and cold winter days.
Winners from the week were: Juliana B, Carol H, Hailey O, Sheila C, Lynne M, Greta W, Richard S, Laurence S, Marilyn H, Althea E, Marilyn F, Bettie D, Anna I, Isabel M., Folasade L., Enzo D., Nicole S., Cheryl R.
L to R – Dawn V/Cheryl R/
Staff dressed in their red and pink too.
Our Thursday AM Volunteer Crew sure looked great in their red, pink and heart attire.
