Up the street and around the corner from Thrift on Kent (TOK), Sara and Daniel lead the staff team at Ray of Hope, a local agency that serves people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and other challenges in Kitchener-Waterloo. TOK has partnered with Ray of Hope for several years by providing gift cards so that their clients can shop with dignity.
This year we have expanded our Community Partnerships (or, “Local Charitable Initiatives”) with agencies responding to a variety of local needs. Relationships like these allow us to support our community, while maintaining our focus on doing thrift better! We have established a formal relationship this year, providing gift cards or donations-in-kind with the following agencies:
• Ray of Hope
• Tiny Home Takeout Community Closet
• Marillac Place
• House of Friendship
• COMPASS Refugee Centre
• Indwell
• Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region
• SHIP (Men’s Shelter)
• Reception House
• SHIP (Women’s Shelter)
• The Working Centre
• The Pregnancy Centre
These Community Partnerships align with one aspect of MCC Ontario’s strategic plan:
Many of you will plant seeds this spring, anticipating growth and harvest later this year. In the same way, your investment of time at TOK is multiplied through these important partnerships. Thank you!
Tim Albrecht General Manager MCC Thrift on Kent
Welcome!
A big welcome to our new volunteers! We have included their pictures to help you identify them, as well as listed what shifts they are on. Is there someone new volunteering on your shift? Make a point to find them and say hello! and Thursdays in the shop
Nick – Mondays and Tuesdays in the shop
Bettiy – Mondays and Thursdays in the shop
Ben M –Wednesdays in the shop
Daelia –Tuesdays in the shop
Darryl –Wednesdays in receiving Wednesdays and Saturdays in receiving
Jack – Saturdays in the shop
Tahir – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in the shop
Ruth – Thursdays on cash JD – Thursdays in furniture
Shaniyah –Saturdays in receiving
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! And if you can help with the pull on Tuesday, May 19th in the morning, please let Giselle or Jan know asap.
And if you are a cottager and will start to be away, please remember to let both me and your staff supervisor know the dates you will be away.
Getting to know Taka
Many of you have met Taka. He works in the same role as Jane, as Community Engagement and Outreach Associate. I asked him a few questions to help us get to know a bit more about him!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I love exploring new technologies and creative hobbies that keep my curiosity alive. Whether it’s experimenting with app ideas, diving into a new design project, or getting outdoors for a walk or photography session, I like staying active in both mind and body. I also enjoy cooking, discovering new places, and spending quality time with my family. Balance and exploration keep me grounded.
Who is your hero?
My mum is definitely my hero. Her ability to stay strong, patient, and composed through life’s challenges taught me the importance of emotional control and perseverance. She’s the kind of person who never gives up, no matter the odds, and that’s something I carry with me in everything I do.
What is one of your proudest accomplishments?
One of my proudest accomplishments is being a hands-on dad. Balancing work, business, and family isn’t always easy, but being present and involved in my child’s everyday life brings me a deep sense of pride and joy. It’s the most rewarding role I’ve ever had.
What is a hidden talent, skill, or hobby of yours?
Not many people know this, but I’m a certified commercial drone pilot. I love the mix of technology and creativity it brings, capturing aerial footage, exploring new landscapes, and seeing familiar places from an entirely different perspective.
If you could have dinner with anyone (living or dead), who would it be and why?
Without hesitation, my mum. I’d love to sit down with her again, share stories about everything happening now, and laugh about the “before and after” moments. It would be a dinner full of warmth, reflection, and gratitude.
Why we volunteer: by Paula and Carly
When I retired, I was looking for something to do that would allow me to give back to the community. My daughter, Carly, was also looking for some way to contribute to the KW community. Volunteering at Thrift on Kent was our top choice. We had been customers for years and always enjoyed the atmosphere at this store, not to mention the great bargains we found! In November 2024, we applied for volunteer positions. We met with Giselle and were soon assigned to our volunteer roles: Carly in receiving, and me (Paula) in the workroom and retail floor. Over the past 17 months, we have thoroughly enjoyed working with the staff and other volunteers, and engaging with the customers who came in to browse, shop, and sometimes share their stories. It’s been such a positive experience for both of us. We worked hard, indulged in the free tea and cookies, and loved every minute of it!
We are moving to Eastern Ontario shortly, so we need to say goodbye to the wonderful people at MCC. We will take with us some very happy memories, and the experience of working with a group of people who truly “live their faith.”
Thank you MCC!
Paula & Carly Crooks
Glasses from Thrift give sight around the world!
By Cath Woolner
Back in the fall of 2024, I asked Alyssa Davis what is done with prescription glasses donated to Thrift on Kent. I knew that First Mennonite Church, which I attend, was collecting glasses and Alyssa was thrilled to be able to add the donated glasses at Thrift on Kent to those collected at our church. Over the last year and a half, more than 800 glasses have been washed, sorted by two volunteers from First Mennonite, and then delivered to a local optometrist. They give them to the local Lion’s Club who forward them to the charity Optometry Giving Sight, a global initiative that targets the prevention of blindness and impaired vision due to uncorrected refractive error (causing blurred, hazy or double vision). Did you know that 1.1 billion worldwide suffer needlessly from vision impairment? Sight can make the difference between a life of poverty and a life of opportunity!
Optometry Giving Sight provides eye care in more than 50 countries for those who suffer from poor vision simply because they don’t have access to eye exams and eyeglasses. They provide training for local eye care professionals, work to establish optometry schools, vision centres and clinical labs, as well as delivering eye exams and eyeglasses.
Such a small thing as a used pair of eyeglasses can make a difference in the life of a child or adult! Thanks to Thrift on Kent for your part in making this difference!
Glasses received from Thrift on Kent are sorted, washed and ready to be passed along.
Please wear your name tags!
You have noticed that we have new nametags with bigger names written on both sides! This is just a little extra step to help us read them and get to know each other better.
We ask you to please wear your nametag. This helps us to know who is supposed to be in the workroom at any given time. And for those in the retail store, it identifies you as someone who can assist customers. We do have a few nametags that just say “Volunteer” if you help in the store and would prefer someone doesn’t know your name. They are on the last hook on the very left. Please return them there after use.
May fun: Baked goods!
Unbeknownst to many of us, in May some celebrate National Chocolate Chip Day (May 15), and World Baking Day (May 17th). Having discovered this, the volunteer events committee invites you to bring in some home baking to share. Feel free to bring in something from your home culture. And note that you do not need to feed everyone! A dozen brownies, a loaf of bread, or half a dozen cookies are just fine! And, know that baking does not need to be sweet - it can be savoury! Also, chocolate chips are optional. Join us the week of May 19-23.
BIRTHDAYS May
Oma - retail store
Jordan - Friday’s class
Elizabeth M - furniture
Salem - clothing, hanging
Maeve - retail
Sharon - linens/ fabric
Karen - receiving
Liz R - retail store & crafts
Sandra O- housewares
Sue Holmes - retail fashion
Anupa - retail fashion
Anneli - clothing, hanging
Tyler - retail merchandising
Janet A - cash
Teta - books and toys
Community Coffee
to inform, educate and inspire ToK volunteers! Come join us the week of May 3-9 at 10:30 and 2:30 each day Monday to Saturday to hear what is going on!
Steve - hardware Dean - accessories Adrien - receiving Diane - clothing, sorting Christine S - clothing, sorting 5/26 5/28 5/29 5/29 5/29
Reminder: Workroom buying policy
As some of you started volunteering a long time ago, we like to occasionally remind you of our policies so that guidelines and expectations are clear.
Workroom buying is defined as purchasing merchandise items prior to them being priced and placed in the retail area of the shop.
Workroom buying by customers is not allowed unless specifically invited by the manager to view an item.
If a volunteer wishes to purchase an item that is not in the retail area, they must request that a Manager or their designee price the item before taking it to the till for purchase. This also applies to items that have been declared not-fit to sell. Items must have a sticker created by the manager or designate before being brought up to cash.
Volunteers are considered valuable customers. However, it is unacceptable for anyone to take undue advantage of workroom buying, and as such it is preferred that purchases be kept to a maximum of three workroom items per shift. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
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.
Each episode invites perspective shifts, deeper relationships, and meaningful action—offering hope, challenge, and practical faith for a complex world. Undercurrents is now on YouTube. Host Ken Ogasawara is a skilled storyteller whos video adds depth and impact.
The April episode takes you behind the scenes at MCC Thrift shops and features a special photo of three generations connected to our shop—well worth a listen! Visit by clicking the link above.
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
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
