Summer time! The Rose of Sharon bushes at our house are in bloom right now. So is our little garden. I know many of you have gardens too; some with flowers, some with vegetables and herbs. What did you grow this year? You can send me photos of your garden treasures at pennyhanslien@mcco.ca to share in the break room if you like.
I promised to announce the winners of the I love Canada Contest in this newsletter. Lynn Bailey was the recipient of the $10 Gift Card and Maureen Myers was the recipient of the decorative cup. Thank you to all who submitted entries.
There are also a number of community events happening. Fundraisers like Hogs for Hospice, the Harrow Fair and the Caldwell First Nations 1st Annual Powwow! Hope to see you there!
At this time of year, I am reminded that a little soil, a little sun, a little nurturing warmth and rain, a little time and pretty soon we have a bountiful harvest! Seeing all the trucks coming into Leamington to bring the harvest to the marketplace, I’m also filled with gratitude for all that has been placed in our hands to steward at the Thrift on Mill. Seed. Time. Harvest. It’s not complicated. It’s exciting to see all the hard work we’ve put in, come to fruition. May you
Congratulations Emma!
Thrift on Mill’s part-time associate, Emma, has officially completed her graduate studies at the University of Windsor and is now a certified teacher!
We are so proud of you and celebrate this incredible milestone. May your journey in education be filled with success, joy, and meaningful Kingdom impact. Amen!
VM Inspiration
This August marks the halfway point of the year— woo-hoo! I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for each of you. Thank you for your time, your energy, and your unwavering commitment. You spend countless hours at MCC Thrift on Mill, serving not just our local community, but also reaching across borders to support domestic and international needs. THANK YOU!
Because of your dedication, we’ve been able to:
• Support over 26,000 farmers with seeds, supplies, tools, food, and economic security
VM Recipe
• Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene training to more than 46,000 people
• Help 452 families resettle in Canada over the past year
What an incredible impact! Great job, volunteers, for keeping the mission alive and thriving through your selfless efforts and care. Let’s keep the momentum going!
When I was a child, my mother made us Manwich sandwiches on a weekly basis. It was an easy, quick, and yummy dinner that I savor even as an adult. However, as we mature, things do not taste the same, right? So, when I ran across Ree Drummond’s Sloppy Joe recipe, I knew I had to make it. But, as a novice and selfproclaimed chef, I always adapt recipes to my own taste unless I am baking.
What great fun and smiles we shared last month at the potluck! Let’s continue celebrating our fellowship and service on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Festivities will run all day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Since Wednesday’s last break time is at 3:00 p.m., feel free to bring your own carryout containers to take home any leftover treats if needed.
We’re planning to serve ice cream sundaes, so come hungry—and don’t forget to bring a treat and a smile!
Volunteer Poem
In June, we celebrated the retirement of a few of our cherished legacy volunteers. Nancy Dick asked her friend Tina to compose a poem to share at the event. Although time didn’t allow for it to be read aloud, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to Tina for her artistry and time, and to Nancy—our Softline Focus Lead—for this thoughtful gesture.
Please enjoy this beautiful gift of love from them both!
Our volunteers are very special folks!
Full of kindness, jokes!
Happy, cheerful and positive women and men that come work hard again and again.
People who not only give their days but help others see Gods ways!
Helpers who always take time and care!
With donations and as especially the people there Keeping the business going for the greater good!
Volunteers who do the absolute best they can…. It’s such a joy to work with them side by side
It’s not always easy for them but their dedication can’t be denied!
They are amazing people who deserve recognition I wish I had every name to read with no omission
Every single one of them matters a great deal, their work and contributions are huge and very real… All this to tell every one of you volunteers that have served so well
Through the years!
Thank you. Thank you. And God bless you all!
-Tina Friesen
Open Volunteer Positions
Do you have a heart for service and 2 hours to spare? Volunteer with us! Email litunjiaolubusi@mcco.ca or call LiTunjia Olubusi 519-326-3665 extension 312.
• Change Room Attendant-Keep things moving with tidy rooms, friendly smiles, and fashion advice on the fly!
• Sales Floor Helper – Love people and bargains? Help customers find hidden treasures!
• Donation Sorter – Be the first to discover donated gems behind the scenes!
• Cashier – Ring up joy and send shoppers off with a smile!
• All-Around Helper – Jump in where needed and keep the shop running smoothly!
Suggestion Box
Last month, we received a request for fatigue mats—and Penny made it happen! The mats have arrived, and we hope your feet are already enjoying the extra comfort.
A big thank you to our amazing Linens ladies for your continued excellent service. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed!
If you’d like to share feedback anonymously, feel free to use the suggestion box—conveniently located in the break room near the iPad.
You’re also welcome to reach out to me directly at litunjiaolubusi@mcco.ca or call 519-326-3665 extension 312.
New Volunteers
We welcomed some new and new again volunteers! Please extend a friendly welcome to Neena - keeping clothes tidy and neat
Jet - making waves in seasonal and retail
Adrian, Noah, and Kaleb - helping all around the production floor and at front cash
Beverly - sorting linens like a pro
Janet (pronounced Janette) - friendly fashionista on the retail floor
Joshua - production associate, helping keep everything sorted and neat
Maria - doing double duty in retail and clothing
Mary - seasonal Christmas sorter
Weather Advisory
The warm weather is here to stay in Southern Ontario, and with it comes the need for a little extra caution. While we enjoy this heat wave, please remember to stay hydrated—drink water before and after your coffee breaks. And while sugary treats are always welcome (who can resist a friend’s baked goods?), it’s good to keep in mind that sugar can dehydrate the body. So, for your health’s sake, be sure to drink water after enjoying those sweet snacks during break time.
Let’s take care of ourselves and each other while we soak up the sunshine! Additionally, take a moment during break times to refresh. You can find essentials under the sink. You can find the basics and anything else you need waiting for you!
MCC Ontario Peace Conference
November 1, 2025 at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate in Kitchener
The MCC Peace Conference is your chance to learn the art of everyday peace and experience first-hand how you and MCC are changing lives and communities through peacebuilding. This event will inspire and inform through general sessions and conversations with messengers of peace. Save the date (November 1) and stay tuned for more details!
Circle of Friends Celebrates 25 Years
Circle of Friends celebrated 25 years of relationships and community-building with a gathering of old and new friends and volunteers. It started in the year 2000 with a simple observation of the profound loneliness of folks coming off the streets into secure housing. Margaret Nally, one of the key people who helped to envision and establish Circle of Friends, recalls the testimony of a woman who used to live at Mary’s Place, a shelter of the YWCA. “She said, ‘I never had a door to close to protect myself at the shelter or on the street... but once I got an apartment and that door closed, I broke down in tears.’” Circle of Friends was created to fill
that void of loneliness.
Circle of Friends is made up of a small group of volunteers and a staff member who meet weekly over coffee or card games with monthly activities with other circles. It’s a time of community-building, relationship-growing and just plain fun. The anniversary event featured trivia, food and drinks, a few words from MCC executive director Michelle Brenneman (who worked with Circle of Friends in the early days!) and reflections from participants and volunteers. Tex, a Circle of Friends participant, shared these words: “Circle of Friends helped me to not only make friends, but to grow as a person, too.”
Training Active Bystanders
This workshop helps you learn simple ways to speak up or take action when you see something harmful happening. You’ll get tools to feel more confident in everyday situations. MCC Ontario volunteers are not expected to step into unsafe situations—always talk to staff if something serious happens. This training is about helping you feel ready and supported. Contact Holly McClement, hollymcclement@mcco.ca, if you are interested in registering for and participating in the next workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 10th, from 9:30 am12pm ONLINE.
