April 2025 Volunteer Newsletter Elmira

Keeping our valued volunteers informed

GM’s Corner

Here we are, and it is time to welcome spring with fresh beginnings!

As the days grow longer, our fiscal year begins again and the world around us comes to life with vibrant colours and fresh blooms, we embrace the energy and renewal that spring brings. It’s the perfect time to refresh our spaces, reconnect with our communities and make the most of the beautiful season ahead.

Seasonal Tips and Inspiration

• Spring Cleaning for the Mind and Home

– Declutter your space and your mindset! A refreshed environment fosters creativity and productivity. As you know, we can provide a space for all that you declutter.

• Embrace the Outdoors – Take advantage of the warming weather with outdoor activities like hiking, biking or simply enjoying a picnic in the park. Does anyone take advantage of the exercise equipment at Gibson Park?

• Plant Something New – I know that we have some wonderful gardeners in this group so whether it’s a small herb garden, vibrant flowers or even a new hobby, spring is all about growth and renewal.

BIRTHDAYS April

Grace W.

Angela S.

Florence M.

Eileen B.

Joy D.

Debbie D.

Martha R.

As we move forward, I trust that you will find much that is lifegiving to you. Your presence with us at the MCC Thrift shop brings life and energy to this shop and it is very much appreciated. Blessings on each of you this spring.

Let’s embrace fresh opportunities, nurture new ideas and enjoy all the joys that spring has to offer. Wishing you a season filled with sunshine, happiness and renewal!

Debbie Siertsema General Manager MCC Thrift & Gift

Upcoming Events and Announcements

• Elmira Maple Syrup Festival – Whether you are one to join in the festivities or to enjoy time at home on that day, April 5 will be an exciting time in town. There is rumour that the SWAT food truck might return to us on that day. If you are out and about you may run into our Thrift Mascot “Thrifty.”

• April 8: We welcome Jennifer Kamari to our staff team. She will be in training for the first few weeks at other shops and with Betty. We are very excited to have her joining the team.

• April 21: Betty’s Retirement Party – We are planning an open house celebration for Betty at Elmira Mennonite Church from 5:30–7:30 with some short speeches at 6:15. There will be snacks and treats for your enjoyment. If anyone has photos of Betty that they would like to share, I would love to add them to a PowerPoint. Betty’s

An April of Anticipation

What a funny word: anticipation. For some it brings hope and excitement. For others, perhaps some anxiety and fear. For me, it always brought a combination of both. As a kid I remember anticipating spring as it meant two things: swimming outdoors and baseball season! I could finally shed the heaviness of winter boots and overbearing coats in exchange for sandals and t-shirts. I guess for me anticipation meant to be able to look ahead at something in the hopes I could become free from something else. Perhaps it’s my ADHD brain that causes me to think that way. Soon, we will be celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Week. This is an opportunity for us as staff to again recognize all your efforts toward the mission of MCCO through Thrift. As I anticipate that week, I am trying to celebrate what has been this past year: celebrating new volunteers and the retirement of others, celebrating with you the birth of new grandchildren and celebrating a life well lived of loved ones who have since passed away. My encouragement to you this month is this: Live life every day in anticipation for what’s next and celebrate each evening for what we have been able to accomplish to the glory of God. May April’s showers indeed bring May’s flowers!

last day in the shop is April 30. Please continue to wish her well after the party until her departure.

• May 1 Garden Centre Opening: The garden centre will open. Stay tuned for exciting opportunities to learn and grow this season!

• Construction is expected: The township will be working on the headwall (at the top of the creek) in the west parking lot. This construction may begin in May. There is much work being done to make this a seamless process. Parking may become a concern during this time but solutions are being worked on.

• Expected posting for a Canada Summer Job position: Once we gain approval from the government, we will be able to post a position.

Welcome Back!

Gisele, one of our International Volunteer Engagement Program participants (2006), stopped by the shop on March 14. How wonderful it was to see you again.

- Greg Krauss

Travellers’ Corner

Mary’s Trip to Portugal

February day temperatures were between 16°C and 18°C. We had mainly sunny days, so we were able to take interesting excursions. Our bus tours took us past fields of oranges, lemons, olives, almond trees and avocado bushes. We saw cork oak trees that had been harvested and went past some cork factories where they clean and prepare the cork. They only harvest the cork every nine years, so the trees had dates on them that said when they were harvested. The trees grow for 20 years before the first harvest.

The geography is quite amazing! Rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, cobblestone streets uphill and down by bus,

taxi or on foot.

We even took a boat tour out on the Atlantic to see the cliffs and caves. What power water has!

Brightly-coloured doors and buildings and painted sidewalks added to the sights we saw.

I stood on the highest elevation in Portugal at Fóia (902 metres above sea level) and was also at the most westerly point of Continental Europe.

Cork and cod are the main exports of Portugal. Dried cod does not look very appetizing. We did not try to cook it either!

All in all, Portugal in February was quite amazing!

– Mary Austin

A Tapestry of Healing and Hope

MCC Ontario’s Indigenous Neighbours program is committed to walking alongside Indigenous communities in friendship and solidarity. We create opportunities to learn about the harmful impacts of colonization and residential schools, while equipping churches and individuals for meaningful reconciliation and peacebuilding.

One of the most powerful expressions of this commitment is Quilts for Survivors, founded by Vanessa Genier. This initiative began as a personal gesture of sewing quilts to comfort Residential School Survivors after the discovery of unmarked graves at former school sites. From that simple act, a remarkable movement has flourished. Quilts for Survivors has already delivered over 6,000 quilts across Canada and aims to reach all 40,000 Survivors. Each quilt offers more than warmth. It stands for recognition, healing, and a visible reminder

that Survivors’ voices matter and their resilience is honored. These quilts are a touchpoint for renewed understanding and meaningful relationships— an invitation to listen, learn, and move toward reconciliation together.

MCC Ontario is proud to support Vanessa’s mission by helping secure a stable workspace, connecting her with volunteers, and contributing 40 quilts for distribution. Just as each quilt is carefully pieced together, so too is the relationshipbuilding and support that surrounds this work.

Your volunteer service at MCC Thrift is an essential thread in this tapestry of healing. Every hour you give and every item you help sell supports programs like Quilts for Survivors, extending compassion and hope into communities across Ontario and beyond. Thank you for being part of this journey toward reconciliation.

Myanmar Earthquake Response

MCC will be responding to the earthquake in Myanmar. Donate now to support our local partners providing emergency food, hygiene supplies and blankets to families in need. Please pray for safety for those affected and for partner staff who are working to respond. The situation is made even more challenging after years of conflict, causing lack of electricity and the collapse of the healthcare system. Donate today to provide relief to people in need.

Vanessa Genier shares a new quilt ready for a Residential School Survivor—one of thousands made through Quilts for Survivors, a movement bringing comfort, recognition, and hope across Canada. MCC

Photo/Heather Gallian

Active Bystander Training

Join Active Bystander Training (TAB) to learn how to safely intervene when you see harmful or isolating behavior. We’ll address bullying, relationship abuse, sexual violence, and emotional distress—helping you overcome hesitation and respond nonviolently. Strengthen our community with everyday actions that make a difference. Sign up and be a force for good!

For details, visit mcc.org/events/training-active-bystanders-niagara