MAY 2026
THRIFT VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
Keeping our valued volunteers informed
GM’s Corner 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.
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.
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.
The care we show here each day becomes part of something much bigger than ourselves.
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.
Wishing you a meaningful and peaceful Mother’s Day.
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,
Thank you for the warmth and compassion you bring into this space.
John Himes
General Manager MCC Thrift, St. Catharines