So, August has come and the weather has been spectacular (if you like heat!). Each of us on staff hope that you’ve had a wonderful time, and that you’ve been able to relax with friends and family. If you’re not a heat person – don’t fear! Autumn will be coming soon enough!
As many of you know this summer has seen a huge drop in donations into the Thrift Centre. I am happy to report that we are still very substantially over budget for the year so far, in no small part to all of your efforts over the first quarter of the year.
I got to talk a bit (brag) about the shop to the province wide staff on MCC Ontario the other day specifically about how amazing the time, effort and work that everyone puts into making the shop a success here. Yes, we generate revenue BUT that
work also has a huge impact in the community. Great prices and selection are a huge piece, but the atmosphere and culture in the shop are equally important. These pieces matter hugely as we welcome everyone who comes through the door and make them feel welcome.
Once again thank you for all that you do. Thank you for helping to raise money for supporting the work of MCC and thank you for working so hard to make the shop a place that our customers feel appreciated and valued.
Have a great rest of your summer!
Source: Canada.ca
Mark Patfield General Manager MCC New Hamburg Thrift Centre
Bring a friend — share the volunteer experience!
Let’s grow our impact, together
Do you love volunteering at the MCC New Hamburg Thrift Centre? Know someone who might enjoy it too! Invite a friend to volunteer with you! Whether they want to try something new, give back, or just spend time with you doing something meaningful — this is the perfect chance.
Please contact Emma Norris, Volunteer Coordinator, if you have someone in mind so we can make the arrangements. We’ll give your guests a warm welcome and show them how much fun making a difference can be!
Together, we do more good.
Fire Safety tips for the BBQ season
Every year, Canadians spend quality time with family and friends enjoying the taste of BBQ cooking! However, few take the time to follow simple fire safety tips that can help you and your family enjoy a safe BBQ season.
General Tips:
• Only use BBQs outdoors… The risk of fire or asphyxiation could result if used indoors or any enclosed spaces, such as tents or garages.
• Place the BBQ at least a 3 m distance from your home or other structures and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Make sure your grill is located on a flat, level surface.
• Keep BBQ away from paths of travel and play areas.
• Use long-handled utensils to keep a safe distance from heat and flames.
• When a BBQ is in use, never leave it unattended.
• Keep children and pets away from the BBQ.
• Ensure BBQ is fully cooled off before covering or storing away.
• If possible, have have a portable residential fire extinguisher nearby.
Propane/Natural gas BBQ:
• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.
• Inspect venturi holes for insect nests or spider web that could restrict air entry.
• Keep your BBQ clean, remove grease
or fat buildup from the gills and in trays below the grill.
• Always make sure your BBQ lid is open before lighting it.
All propane cylinders manufactured must have an overfill protection device (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow of propane before capacity is reached, limiting the potential for release of propane gas if the cylinder heats up. OPD’s are easily identified by their triangular- shaped hand wheel.
If your BBQ has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 5 minutes before relighting it.
Welcome!
We welcome our new volunteer who started with us recently!
Emmie Fronchak
Gabrielle Paff
Betty Wolfe
Debbie Wilken
Cole Beggs
Sandy Broda
Joshua Desjardins
Anne Detzler
Gail Maher
Shreyas Dhar
Hope Bertrand
Leticia Anieze
August
Brenda Shearer
Kaiden Welch
Arlene Hoke
Gillian Beech
Judy Rees
Tammy McCutchen
Brenda Wagler
Noah McNab
Anna Steinmann
Mike Wirth
Judy Entz
Marilyn Dusky
Carolyn Pigott
Roger Dale
BIRTHDAYS
Rose Robinson
Tammy Hopkins
Adele Showers
Sharon Albrecht
Anita Hope
Sandra Albrecht
Ben Becker
Connie Seyler
Mary-Anne Holmes
Simone Veronica Kinch
Jim Nafziger
Barbara Schumm
Donald Myers
Butch (Royal) Kelterborn
Stan Desjardine
Anne Detzler
Marion Schmidt
Housewares - Support
Retail Floor Support
Retail Floor Support
Clothing - Hanging Crafts
Clothing - Hanging
Clothing - Pricing/Tagging
Retail Floor Support
Recycling - Clothing
Linens - Sorting
Receiving
Recycling - Metal
Electrical - Testing Cashier
Retail Floor Support
8/30 8/31
Around the Shop
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!
Volunteer Openings
• Retail Floor Support: Volunteers needed to assist with tidying up the store.
Saturday morning from 9 am to 1pm
• Cashier: No experience needed
Saturday afternoon from 1 am to 5 pm
• Clothing Sorters: Do you enjoy fashion? Have an eye for labels and trends? We are looking for volunteers to do clothing sorting
Monday afternoon from 1pm to 4 pm
Tuesday morning from 9 am to 12 pm or Tuesday Afternoon from 1pm to 4 pm and
Friday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm and afternoons 1 pm to 4 pm.
• Receivers: Greet our valued donors at the back door to accept goods. Good customer service required. Shifts available:
Monday afternoon 1 pm to 5 pm,
Tuesday afternoon 1 pm to 5 pm
Friday morning 9 am to 1 pm
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.
