Keeping our valued volunteers informed
GM’s Corner
I remember very little from my childhood. Perhaps because much of it wasn’t worth remembering. The exception to that was my grandmother. Nan never had much formal education. Most of what she learned were practical things, that in her day were necessities. Women didn’t have “jobs”, not paying ones at least. But believe me when I tell you, they did no shortage of work. By the time I knew her of course, she was well into her 80s. But even then, she never seemed to stop. She cooked, she baked, she cleaned, she cared, she shared. In short, she loved. Perhaps that’s why I think about her so much as I walk the halls of our store each day and think about our name. If anyone personified the ideals of “Care” and “Share” it was her.
In last month’s newsletter article, I reflected some on that name. Specifically, Being the Care at the Care & Share. At its close, I ended it with what I guess has become my vision for our little corner of Stouffville.
Caring with Kindness - Sharing with Purpose
Being the Care - Living the Share
Being the Care is the inward focus of that vision. Embodying the Care, making the Care and Share more than a thrift shop but a hub of compassion, dedication, and support. Ensuring that every customer, every donor, every volunteer, and every staff member feels seen, supported, valued, and respected.
Living the Share then becomes the outward face of our vision. Moving beyond the doors of this building. Living those same values, we embody here in the thrift shop, in our broader community. Finding new ways to get involved, new community groups to partner with, and fresh ways to have an impact and make a difference.
For us to truly embrace “Being the Care and Living the Share” it means going beyond the doors of this
building. Not simply as individuals, but the store itself. Making connections, building relationships, and fostering community. It means building towards being known in Stouffville and beyond as more than just a thrift shop but a place where compassion is normal and giving is contagious. Where Care & Share becomes more than a label, more than a shop, but a place of hope where smiles are lifted and lives are changed.
So, how do we make that vision a reality? Yes, there are things we are doing already and we have seen the impact they can have. Now how can we do more. How can we expand upon that and what will it look like?
We offer support to three organizations through our local charitable initiative. How can we make that six? We have connections with local schools and churches. How can we strengthen and expand those connections?
How can we do the same with community groups and local businesses? What Ideas do we have, what actions can we take, what can we do to expand the vision and make this dream a reality?
For my Nan, she saw a need and she responded to it. I’m sure you’ve seen it and perhaps lived it in your own lives. You see, Nan never made just one pie. She’d make four. Why? There was always a need. Always someone who was struggling, always one shut in who’s day she could brighten, always some bake sale fundraiser she could support. The same was true in everything she did.
One specific memory I have is her teaching some young women In the community. Showing them how to sew, how to knit, how to make soup and bake bread. I asked her once why she did it and still remember the answer she gave me.
“If I gave those girls those things, that would be a nice thing, right? But what they NEED is to learn to do it for themselves.”
