Keeping our valued volunteers informed
A Holiday Message From Our Executive Director
This Christmas season, we are reminded of the love of Christ, born in humble circumstances to bring hope and light to all. Through your efforts—at the receiving door, sorting or processing donations or on the retail floor—you mirror His example of kindness and compassion, sharing His love in practical ways.
May the peace and joy of Christ fill your hearts this Christmas and throughout the coming year. Thank you for volunteering and for making a difference in the lives of so many in need, both locally and around the world.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
Michelle Brenneman Executive Director, MCC Ontario MichelleBrenneman@mcco.ca
Christmas Greetings from the staff
We have hit the Christmas season full swing, and the staff hope that you’re having a wonderful holiday season. Amidst the hustle and bustle, all of us pray that you will have some downtime for yourself: downtime to reflect on just how important and valuable the work we do each day is, downtime to appreciate the community that exists within the thrift shop and downtime to appreciate the blessings that we each receive throughout the year—not just at Christmas. It’s a great time of year to sit and be thankful!
The work that each of you do in the shop—regardless of your role—is a true gift to others. Our work here directly translates into assisting others, and in many cases is life-changing for those on the receiving end. The staff and the broader MCC thank you for being so giving of both your time and work—it truly is gift-giving year round on your part.
Have a very Merry Christmas, and a happy safe 2025!
Mark and the Staff
Safety Corner
Annual MCC Ontario Volunteer Survey
You
2023/2024 Annual Impact Report
Our annual impact report has arrived! Check out our digital version online, and don’t forget to take a look at highlights from Ontario
Welcoming the Stranger: A Journey of Hope and New Beginnings
Your work in MCC thrift shops has been a part of “welcoming the stranger” to our communities for years by supporting our migration and resettlement program. For over 40 years, compassionate Canadians have been sponsoring refugees to start new lives in Canada.
When Keli, Anderson and their two sons, David and Samuel, arrived at Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Canada, they carried the weight of years of hardship as Venezuelan refugees. After six years seeking asylum in a neighbouring country, they were uncertain about their future. Keli recalled the fear they felt, saying, “It was hard to imagine a brighter future when we had been met with exclusion and prejudice in the past.” But as they walked into the terminal, they were greeted by a group holding signs that read, “Bienvenidos!
Office Referred (BVOR) program. MCC Ontario
Executive Director Michelle Brenneman explained, “It’s a way for us to live our values—deepening our commitment to supporting people who are vulnerable.” The sponsor group faced challenges, such as securing housing, but with community support, they found a condo for the family in downtown Kitchener.
Joel Font—part of the IT support team at MCCO— knew the experience all too well, having been a refugee from Venezuela himself. “When I arrived in Canada, many people supported me,” he reflected. “Now it’s my chance to give back.” For the first time, Keli and Anderson felt seen and supported. Anderson shared, “Everyone from MCC has approached us with kindness, love and so much support. I can only say that this is God working for us.”
Welcome to Canada!” Keli said, “In that moment, it was as if every sorrow from our past was swept away.”
The warm welcome came from staff at MCC Ontario, who decided to take part in a refugee sponsorship initiative through the Blended Visa
Openings
Though the journey ahead remains difficult, Keli expressed, “We know we can ask for help. MCC is a big family that protects us.” Anderson agreed and added, “It’s sometimes overwhelming, but we see it as God’s blessing. We are so grateful.”
• Retail Floor Support: Volunteers needed to assist with tidying up the store Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and afternoons from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Clothing Sorters: Do you enjoy fashion? Have an eye for labels and trends? We are looking for volunteers to do clothing sorting Thursday and Friday mornings and afternoons.
• Receivers: Greet our valued donors at the backdoor to accept goods. Good customer service required. Shifts available Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Beekeeper Robert Loketo talks about the DADO apiary project in Kachapangole, Uganda. A beehive is in the tree in the background.
Welcome!
We welcome our new volunteer who started with us recently!
Charity Bakker
Pierrette Schmid
Carrie Richmond
Tracey Perschbacher
Giovanny Rodas
Jenifer Jackson
Rylin Perry
Cohen Smith
Elisa Suderman
Lucas Berry
Cathy Smythe
Ronald Schmitt
North Chhatwal
Christopher Burtenshaw
Floor support
Clothing
Purses
Cash/Clothing
Receiving
Receiving
Receiving
Receiving
Receiving
Floor support
Receiving
Clothing
Electrical
Receiving
Lunch & Listen: An MCC Journey Through Uganda
Join us for an inspiring presentation as MCC staff Lynda Lynch and Debbie Siertsema share their experiences from a recent learning tour in Uganda, where they explored MCC’s impactful programs across the region. Join us in person in the Community Room, 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener or watch the livestream on Facebook.
