Welcome to spring!! It was a long snowy winter this year, and I was reminded after the first warm spell in mid-March that one of the best times of year is seeing the first signs of green poking up. Out in front of the store, as the mountains pushed up by the plows were still snowy and ugly, there were hundreds of green tulips, crocuses and other plants poking their heads up into the warm air. Now normally I just keep on walking between buildings but that day I had to stop with the thought—isn’t that so much like life?? A rough patch, followed by small green shoots which will turn into April’s brilliant flowers … I pray that all of us are sustained by this thought, knowing that whatever troubles we have in our lives that one day soon those green shoots will come up once again …
A reminder that the plant sale is only a little more
than a month away! It’s looking like this year is going to be just as amazing as all the other years. A huge thank you to Luanne C. who has worked so hard for the past year to sort, price and store all the items that are just waiting to be let out into the sun! We’d ask that you help spread the word to people—both on the donation and customer side. The more donors we have, the more we can grow this amazing event!
As always, a huge thank you to each of you for all that you do. As I write this, things are dramatically picking up again, and donations are starting to pour in. Without you the shop would not be able to be successful in our life-changing work—at home and abroad! Thank you.
• Retail Floor Support: Volunteers needed to assist with tidying up the store on Monday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and afternoons from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cashier: No experience needed, Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Clothing Sorters: Do you enjoy fashion? Have an eye for labels and trends? We are looking for volunteers to do clothing sorting on Thursday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday mornings from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and afternoons 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Receivers: Greet our valued donors at the back door to accept goods. Good customer service and stamina required. Shifts available:
• Monday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Events
Volunteer Appreciation Week
April 27 to May 3
We want to celebrate YOU!
This week, we’ll be offering a special treat during break time at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
We are so grateful for all that you do, and we hope you feel the appreciation from everyone for your incredible volunteer work.
- Emma Norris Volunteer Coordinator
Safety Corner
Gardening Safety Tips — Don’t Get Hurt!
Gardening is a rewarding and relaxing activity, but it also comes with its share of risks— especially if you’re spending long hours outdoors or working with tools and equipment. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, taking a few simple precautions can help you stay healthy and injury-free. Here are five practical tips to keep you—and your little helpers—safe while enjoying time in the garden.
1. Vary Your Movements
Repetitive motions in the garden—like digging, hoeing, pruning, planting, or raking—can lead to strain or injury if done for too long. Break up tasks that involve repeated movements into 15-minute segments. Alternate with different activities and take short rests between sessions to reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
2. Invest in Quality Gardening Gloves
A well-fitting pair of gardening gloves not only prevents blisters and calluses but also protects your hands from thorns, poison ivy, insect bites, and damage to fingernails. More importantly, they help prevent infections from small cuts or scrapes that can occur while working in the soil.
3. Guard Against Sun Exposure
Before heading out, check the UV index in your local weather report. If it’s 3 or higher, take proper precautions. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, applying it 20 minutes before going outside and reapplying
regularly. Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective wraparound sunglasses. Whenever possible, garden in shady areas or during cooler parts of the day.
4. Prevent Back and Overuse Injuries
Many gardening injuries stem from overexertion or poor body mechanics. Start by warming up—walk a few laps around your garden and do some light stretches, especially for your back. When lifting heavy items, bend at the knees and keep your back straight. Take regular breaks to rest and hydrate. Most importantly, listen to your body and avoid awkward or uncomfortable positions.
5. Prioritize Child Safety in the Garden
If you have young children, take extra steps to ensure their safety. Children should never operate or play near garden machinery, such as lawn mowers or tillers. These machines can be hot after use and may cause burns if touched. Riding mowers, in particular, can be dangerous—even as passengers, children should not be allowed on them.
When not in use, unplug and store power tools securely. Assign a designated space for all gardening tools and equipment, and store hazardous chemicals like weed killers in locked or out-of-reach areas.
Emma’s got a talent for capturing our amazing volunteers in action! From sorting to organizing and everything in between, every moment tells a story. Thank you to our volunteers for bringing energy and heart to the shop!
Welcome!
We welcome our new volunteer who started with us recently!
Larry Wagler
Dragan Ardelean
Dean Ardelean
Elek Kanota
Denny Thomas
Kyle Kuepfer
Zacary Forler
Receiving
Receiving
Receiving
Receiving
Receiving
Receiving
Receiving
Cruz Hindle
Narayan Verma
Graham Beckman
Karen Gingerich
Madeleine Berre
Robin Grazier
Receiving
Receiving
Receiving
Clothing Support
Floor Support
Floor Support/Cash
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
