One of the things I’ve come to appreciate most about our shop is the way people care for one another. There is a warmth here that you can feel. It shows up in the way volunteers take time with customers, support one another during a shift, and create an environment where people feel welcome and valued. It’s often quiet and behind the scenes, but it makes a real difference. As we approach Mother’s Day, I’ve been reflecting on those same qualities; care, patience, and compassion and how they are lived out here every day in so many different ways.
In many ways, that “motherly” presence shows up all throughout our shop. Some of you bring a steady, reassuring presence that reminds me of a caring mother, grandmother or Oma. Others bring energy, attentiveness, and encouragement that helps make this place feel alive and welcoming.
I even see glimpses of it at home. My daughter Skyla, who is almost three, is already showing those nurturing instincts, noticing when another child is upset or being completely drawn to a baby with curiosity and care. It’s a reminder that these qualities are something God places within us, shaping how we care for others.
That same spirit has been part of MCC Thrift from the very beginning. The thrift shop movement in Canada was started and largely sustained by women who saw a need and stepped forward in faith. Here in St. Catharines, our own shop has roots in that same story, built through the dedication, leadership, and service of women who helped establish what continues today. Even now, that legacy continues. A large part of our volunteer community is made up of women whose care,
dedication, and generosity keep this place running day after day and, yes… often with some incredible baked goods shared along the way!
As spring continues and more people begin sorting through their homes, each donation that comes through our doors becomes another opportunity to extend that care even further.
The care we show here each day becomes part of something much bigger than ourselves.
Thank you for the warmth and compassion you bring into this space.
Wishing you a meaningful and peaceful Mother’s Day.
John Himes General Manager MCC Thrift, St. Catharines
BIRTHDAYS
Samin R –Receiving
Zanyar P.Processing
Ellie Y. – Retail
Hunter H. –Processing Receiving
Happy Retirement
All together Helen, Lorna and Michael represent more than 65 years of volunteer time, love, passion and energy. We are grateful for Helen (35 years), Lorna (20 years) and Michael (10 years) and for their commitment to MCC Thrift. We miss them around the shop, but we wish them all the best in their next season. Blessings to each of you!
Keeping the Fire Burning
We had a great Volunteer Appreciation Week at MCC Thrift! Throughout the week, our volunteers sparked meaningful conversations by sharing during break times about what first ignited their passion for volunteering and what continues to keep their flames burning strong. Our theme, Ignite Volunteerism, was fanned into flame with campfire-style treats, like pigs in a blanket, s’mores, and more. Volunteers received a small gift of appreciation: a campfire Firestarter (created by Dave Gossen) to keep the spirit glowing.
We are incredibly thankful for our volunteers, whose steady warmth, dedication, and enthusiasm continue to fuel everything we do. Because of them, the fire of compassion burns brightly in our shop, allowing us to keep supporting the work of MCC both locally and globally. (Thanks Anna Ladner and Dawn Van Dyck for creating special food treats for everyone.)
Lorna Rogalski retires
Helen Klassen retires
Michael Lacasse retires/moves
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
Volunteers Needed for Queenston Affordable Produce Market
This summer, MCC Ontario is piloting a Tuesday afternoon affordable produce market in Queenston—one small, practical step to help neighbours access fresh food with dignity and choice while we continue listening and building community connections. We’re looking for friendly, hands-on volunteers to help make the market possible (cashiers, market assistants, and hosts). Shifts are short-term, flexible, and team-based, supported by MCC Ontario staff. The market runs on Tuesday afternoons from early June to the end of August.
Interested, or know someone who might be? Please reach out to Laurie Warkentin – lauriewarkentin@mcco.ca or 905.931.4699.
Scan the QR codes below to go straight to volunteer applications. Please scan the codes for the position description:
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
