Here we are further into spring as it unfurls its vibrant colours and warmer days, we find ourselves inspired by the energy and renewal that volunteers like you bring to every corner of our community.
Your commitment fuels not only the work and projects we undertake, but also the hope and spirit that make MCC thrive.
This month, we shine a spotlight on the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and creativity you share. Whether you’re lending a helping hand at events (Elmira Maple Syrup Festival), supporting ongoing initiatives (Round up campaigns), or offering encouragement to those around you, your generosity of time and commitment is the foundation of our lasting change.
Our fiscal year ended March 31 and it is important that we honour you for your hard work. We were able to surpass our budget by $100,000 (even with the
BIRTHDAYS May
Kyle H
Serena M
Sabrina H
Sue P
Shirley F
Gloria M
Jane H
Joan M
summer parking lot construction).
This breaks down to 75,800 purchasing customers flowing through our doors and 367,528 items moving from a donation on to someone else’s home. There were 1,079 individuals who donated directly to MCC through our cash registers and just over $2,000 donated through the countertop boxes at the cash counter. The number of books sold came a close second to the number of items sold in women’s clothing department. Women’s clothing once again surpassed all other departments in sales revenue. Every hour, every effort and every smile, paired with the work of dedicated volunteers, build a community that lifts others up and helps to build a more sustainable world.
In May, we once again celebrate your impact and thank you for sharing your time and talents with us—together, we are planting seeds of kindness and nurturing a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Debbie Siertsema
General Manager MCC Thrift & Gift
Receiving Attendant
- Sorting Cashier, Clothing-Pricing, Store Merch Clothing - Pricing
Crafts/Fabric - Pricing
Crafts/Fabric – Pricing, Off Site
Store Merchandising, Housewares-Pricing Housewares - Pricing
Exciting opportunities in the Community
On April 11, you may have chosen to stay quietly in your own home, or you may have chosen to join the crowds at the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. On this Saturday, MCC Thrift & Gift was represented in the outdoor area of the Elmira Memorial Centre by Chrissy Bauman, our Volunteer Engagement Manager. Chrissy created a beautiful photo wall representing the many things that are possible to purchase at your local Thrift Shop. Staff stopped by to say hello and take photos (Lisa, Lori & grandson). Kathy Gottfried took some time out of her Saturday to come and ‘work’ the booth with Chrissy. Spending time in this very busy area allowed Chrissy to connect with Maple Syrup Festival attendees and share what volunteering means to her.
Chrissy’s Corner
Enjoying Our Community This May
With the warmer weather here, it’s a great time to get out and enjoy our community. There are so many simple and affordable ways to connect and have fun close to home.
A few upcoming community events:
• May 9 – Woolwich Gardeners Plant Sale
(Elmira), 8:00–12:00
• May 10 – Mother’s Day at Castle Kilbride (Baden), under $10
• May 17 – Art in the Park (Stratford), 10:00–5:00 (Free)
• May 24 – Spring Market Festival (St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market) (Free)
• May 29–30 – New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale (More info in the section below.)
Thank you for all the ways you give your time and energy—it is truly appreciated. We hope you enjoy your voucher for a treat and coffee at Market Café (5 Church St W, Elmira). Please note that vouchers are valid until May 31, 2026.
Chrissy Bauman
Volunteer Engagement Manager
MCC Thrift & Gift
Chrissy and Kathy may feel like this some days, but I am sure only a few.
MCC Undercurrents Podcast
We’re also excited to share that MCC’s Undercurrents podcast recently featured our Thrift shops in Episode 36: “The Best Thrift Shops in the World.” The episode highlights the New Hamburg shop, includes our Isabella Kamari, and features a special photo of three generations connected to our shop—well worth a listen! mcc.org/Undercurrents
MCC Thrift Pilot Project
MCC Thrift is piloting a new initiative that aims to create meaningful part-time work opportunities for people in our community who face barriers to employment. Over the coming months, we’ll be testing small projects that use donated materials to create new, revenue-generating products, while also diverting items from landfills in alignment with MCC’s commitment to creation care. This work is very much a learning process, and we’ll be trying ideas, seeing what works, and adjusting as we go.
For most staff, day-to-day operations will remain largely the same, though you may notice some materials being set aside, new faces in the stores, or opportunities to share ideas or support specific activities. We’re excited about the potential to generate additional support for MCC’s work while creating new ways to include and empower people in our community, and we’ll continue to share updates and welcome your input as the initiative develops.
If you would like to talk more about this initiative please reach out to Jodi VanNoord @ jodivannoord@mcco.ca
Kind Refreshers from Human Resources
• With warm weather approaching, let’s save our well-loved sandals for off-duty days, wearing comfortable and supportive closed-toed shoes when volunteering.
• Drink plenty of water, stay hydrated, take breaks as needed, and keep your supervisor informed for selfcare.
• If it’s been a while since your last orientation, feel free to register for an upcoming session—a great way to refresh and meet new faces!
Timmins Learning Tour
August 17 – 21 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
Plant sale in New Hamburg
The MCC New Hamburg Thrift Centre, our sister shop, is holding a plant sale May 1-31. Be sure to stop by this popular event for plants, garden supplies and tools, and so much more.
May Long Weekend & the Start of Cottage Season
We are closed on Monday, May 18th for Victoria Day. If you usually work on the weekend and will be away, please let us know in good time to find someone to cover your shift!
New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale
May 29-30, 2026 at the New Hamburg Fairgrounds
Plan to make the trip to Canada’s biggest relief sale and quilt auction! There’s no shortage of things to see, do and taste at the 60th annual New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale, where funds raised support the work of MCC at home and around the world. Come for the food, stay for the auctions. See you at the fairgrounds! nhmrs.com
Pow Wows 101
May 13 (12 p.m., in-person/online) & May 14 (7 p.m., online)
MCC Indigenous Neighbours offers two sessions introducing pow wows and how to participate, helping firsttime attendees feel more comfortable. Learn more at mcc.org/pow-wow-101
Strawberry Thanksgiving and Communion
Saturday, June 13 from 9am – 1pm at Six Nations Polytechnic in Oshweken, Ontario
A special community event featuring Adrian Jacobs of the Turtle Clan, Cayuga Nation, sharing on the Spiritual Covenant—a reflection on land, relationship and reconciliation. Includes a thanksgiving with strawberries— the first fruit of the season and a sacred gift in Haudenosaunee culture, as well as sharing communion and a delicious lunch together. mcc.org/strawberry-thanksgiving
Red Dress Day Art Exhibit and Call 30
May 2–16, 2026 at Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo
MCC presents an exhibit for Red Dress Day (May 5), raising awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and factors behind their criminalization and harm. Includes two Call 30 activities on Indigenous women in Ontario prisons. Learn more: mcc.org/red-dress-day
