Keeping our valued volunteers informed
GM’s Corner
Welcome to fiscal year 2025/2026! We have successfully navigated last year’s challenges and successes, thanks to your incredible support. We have also welcomed Brian and Marielle to our team, and they have hit the ground running. They have been incredibly valuable additions and have brought knowledge, experience and fun!
This fiscal year brings new opportunities and changes. Our shop has the chance to continue to grow, serve our community and increase our sales to support the Mennonite Central Committee. This new fiscal year also brings the departure of Joel as of March 31. Joel joined the Care & Share in August 2020, starting as the receiving coordinator before serving as volunteer coordinator and ultimately manager. A true asset, Joel has been a shining knight
within our team, embodying dedication and passion for service. As he embarks on a new journey in International Disaster, we reflect on his impactful work and commitment to serving others. Having previously served with the same organization in Belgium, Joel’s heart has long been aligned with this mission. With all these changes, we have the opportunity to hire a new replacement for Joel. Please keep this search in your prayers for the right person to be hired at the right time. We can continue to use new, creative approaches to continue growing and serving our community. Thank you for your continued dedication, support and encouragement!
Dave Chellaiah General Manager MCC Care & Share
Welcome!
We are excited to welcome 12 new volunteers!
Jesse G.
Hamza Q.
Raj Kiran S.
Ze H.
Illia J.
Hamza Q.
Tenuji S.
Tanisha S.
BIRTHDAYS April
Danielle W.
Allison C. 4/1 4/2
LeeAnne S.
Mohammad G.
Shirin F.
Elise P.
Annette O.
Emily F.
Maria T.
Anastasia W.
Jennifer S.
Nathan C.
Ethan C.
Kevin O. 4/4 4/7 4/9 4/10 4/11 4/14 4/16 4/19
Andrew J. Joel D.
Jung A K.
Doug J. Rosie C. Soha Z. Daria A. 4/22 4/22 4/26 4/27 4/28 4/28 4/28
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
