Keeping our valued volunteers informed
GM’s Corner
Hello everyone,
April is here, bringing the arrival of spring. It’s wonderful to see new growth after a long winter. April 1 marks the start of a new year at MCC Thrift on Kent, offering a time for reflection and appreciation for the past year.
We closed last year with record sales—$3.3 million! Even with the remodeling of our cash desk and shop, we finished about $400,000 ahead of the previous year. As we sort through the financial details, we know we had record forwardings to MCC. Thrift on Kent continues to grow, and it’s all thanks to your
April
BIRTHDAYS
Lorie Williams
Irene Klassen
Myra Takasaki
Pam Swatridge
Goodbye Stephen!
dedication and support.
To celebrate and express our gratitude for your hard work, patience, and commitment, we’re excited to announce Volunteer Appreciation Week, taking place April 28–May 3. Stay tuned for more details on how we’ll be celebrating you—our amazing volunteers!
Thank you for all that you do!
Kent Buhrke
General Manager
MCC Thrift on Kent
Mercy Gorikapudi
Rae Peters
Lemlem Ghebre
Elgin Shantz
Jordan D’sa
Marg Reid
Penny MacVicar
Debby Noonan
Jane Sleeman
Nell Peters
With great sadness we say goodbye to Stephen, our community outreach associate. We have greatly appreciated his support here in helping with challenging customers. We have also appreciated the kindness that he brings to every conversation. We will miss him, but we wish him well in his new ventures and trust he will be a blessing wherever he goes.
Horeb Zefimariam
Rhonda Peng
Mimi Lee
Ravish Ram Moyra Bartlett
Cath Woolner
Tom Mallozzi
Margaret Warren
Ivy Lui
Youth from Texas come volunteer at TOK!
Yes, you read that correctly. A group of high school students from a Christian school in Dallas, Texas were on their spring break working alongside various charities in Toronto and Kitchener! They got to hear a bit about the work of MCC and help us out for an afternoon doing various jobs in the workroom.
Our first group orientation:
We are always trying to improve how we do things around here from using the space in the workroom to on-boarding volunteers. In March we had our first group orientation for new volunteers. If you usually take your break during a time when we have an orientation, please feel free to come in and take your break. Thank you for accommodating as we have these meetings in the break room.
Welcome to all our new volunteers! We are thankful for your willingness to help with our mission here at MCC TOK!
Iryna, Jennifer, Marta, Sophie, Ruby and Kate –in the retail store
Emma – cash
Cohen – electrical
Dave – hardware
World Down Syndrome Day
March 21st was World Down Syndrome Day! Staff wore colourful socks to raise awareness of Down Syndrome. We have a number of fabulous volunteers here at TOK who have Down Syndrome, and we celebrate all they have to offer! Down Syndrome is caused by a 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome – which is why it is celebrated on the 21stday of the 3rd month of the year. Under a microscope, chromosomes looks like striped socks – thus the movement to wear colourful socks on this day.
Heads-Up: A survey coming your way
In the next week or two, you will receive a survey to fill out regarding your experience volunteering with us at TOK. There will be paper copies available here in the break room if you prefer. Your feedback is important in shaping how we support and appreciate volunteers. Thanks for taking the time to fill it out.
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 relationship-building 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.
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
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
