Keeping our valued volunteers informed
A Christmas Message to Our Incredible Volunteers
Dear Friends,
As we enter this season of peace and gratitude, we want to take a moment to thank you. The way you show up, with kindness, commitment, and a deep sense of care, makes such a difference in our shops and far beyond them. Every hour you’ve offered, every welcome you’ve extended, every connection you’ve built has helped MCC live out its mission in real and meaningful ways. Because of you, families find stability, communities grow stronger, and hope takes root in places we may never see ourselves. Your generosity echoes far beyond the day-to-day, and we don’t take it for granted.
GM’s Corner
Happy December! As a staff we hope that you are having a wonderful lead up to Christmas, and that you’re getting to enjoy some of the things this season brings for us. Time with family and friends, special treats and Christmas music – yes, Christmas music!
Things have been very busy at the shop as we have moved into the holiday season. Much of the retail space has changed, customers are flocking to the store, receiving and processing are absolutely booming right now! We cannot thank you enough for all of your hard work and time during this busy season. Absolutely nothing would happen at the shop if it weren’t for you. Keep your eyes open for exciting news about the
Christmas Pizza Party
From all of us at MCC Ontario Thrift, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a season filled with peace, joy, and quiet moments of gratitude. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We truly couldn’t do this work without you.
Warmly,
Lynda Lynch
Thrift Director
Caitlin Sousa
Thrift Operations & Training Manager
Heather Krotz
Thrift Project Lead (MCC Picks Up)
Christmas events that we have planned!
A small logistical reminder for those of you that volunteer in the mornings. The weather has definitely turned, and the cold has come. We do want to remind everyone that the buildings do not open until 5 minutes before 9, or 5 minutes before 8 on Mondays at the retail building. We don’t want anyone stuck outside in the cold, so please come for those times and take care of yourself.
Thank you for all the hard work that you do. It’s a real privilege for us as staff to get to serve alongside of you.
Mark Patfield General Manager MCC New
Hamburg Thrift Centre
The Christmas season has arrived, and we want to take a moment to stop and show our appreciation for you during this busy month! During the week of December 15-19, we will have pizza and cookies available for all of our incredible Thrift and MR volunteers. Please sign up in the kitchen by December 5 to let us know which day you plan to attend.
Safety Corner
Tips to keep you safe at Christmas
1. Bundle Up to Stay Warm
Winter weather can be unpredictable and harsh. Seniors are especially susceptible to the dangers of cold temperatures, including hypothermia and frostbite. To stay warm:
• Dress in layers, including hats, scarves, and gloves.
• Limit time outdoors during extreme cold or icy conditions.
• Keep your home’s temperature consistent and use blankets to stay cozy indoors.
2.
Enjoy Holiday Meals Mindfully
Holiday gatherings often come with delicious feasts and sweet treats. While indulging is part of the fun, maintaining a balanced diet is essential for seniors. Here’s how to enjoy the best of both worlds:
• Include nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meals.
• Limit sugary and high-fat dishes to avoid energy crashes or health issues.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially if you’re enjoying caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
3. Stay Connected and Socialize Safely
The holidays are about spending time with loved ones, but for some people, this season can bring feelings of loneliness. Combat isolation by:
• Attending family gatherings or holiday events that prioritize safety.
• Use technology like video calls or social media to connect with friends and family.
4. Prioritize Home Safety
Decorating your home can bring festive cheer, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety:
• Avoid tripping hazards by keeping walkways clear of decorations and wires.
• Use LED lights, which stay cool and reduce the risk of fire hazards.
• Ensure proper installation of Christmas trees to prevent tipping.
Source: girlingny.com/2024/12/22/5-christmas-safety-tips-for-seniorsto-enjoy-the-holidays/
Samuel Harnack
Maddy Delaney
Judy Turner
Luanne McGinley
Blanche Moser
Sharon Tychoniak
Pamela Coneybeare
Henry Guerra
Clothing
Clothing
Clothing
Volunteer Openings
Does someone you know have a heart for service like you and a few hours to spare? We’re looking to fill some volunteer openings. Get in touch with Mark Patfield by email (markpatfield@mcco.ca) or by phone (519-662-2867).
Retail Floor Support: Volunteers needed to assist with tidying up the store.
Tuesday morning from 9 am to 12 pm
Every other Thursday afternoon from 4 pm to 8 pm
Cashier: No experience needed
Wednesday afternoon from 5 pm to 6 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 1 pm to 4 pm
Tuesday afternoon from 1 pm to 4 pm
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 and stamina required.
Wednesday afternoon 1 pm to 5 pm
Thursday evening from 4 pm to 8 pm
Friday evening from 4 pm to 8 pm
Friday and Saturday afternoon 1 pm to 5 pm
December
BIRTHDAYS
Baird S.
Georgina D.
Nancy M.
Dexter B.
Marlene L.
Cindy B.
Lindsay B.
Sandra M.
Fern E.
Lindsay N.
Charleene F.
Luanne M.
Elaine L.
Arlene B.
Jane V.
Sharon N.
Toys - Games
Potting - Plant Sale
Housewares - Sorting
Ruth H.
Sheryl C.
Vincent C.
Cindy O.
Laval R.
Colleen C.
Ruth C.
Rich B.
Brianne S.
Judy R.
Esther B.
Sandra K.
Gail G.
John W.
Christa B.
Surjit D.
Sandy F.
Christine K.
Joan Y.
Debi L.
Cashier
Fabric - Pricing
Clothing - Support
Housewares - Pricing
Truck - Driver
Retail Floor Support
Linens - Sorting
Clothing - Support
Retail Support
Books - Pricing
Potting - Plant Sale
Retail Floor Support
Fabric Receiving
Retail Floor Support
Cashier
Housewares - Support
Cashier
Retail Floor Support
Cashier
New Volunteer Position Titles
Clearer titles, same great teamwork!
We’re updating volunteer position titles across all six MCC Thrift shops to bring clarity and consistency. Your position will not change and remains essential! Your team lead stays the same Shop workflow is not changing Updated titles will appear in VicTouch by mid-December, and FAQs will be posted on your shop bulletin board. If you have any questions, please speak with your Volunteer Engagement Manager.
Volunteer Survey Now Open
Your voice matters—help shape the MCC Ontario volunteer experience! We value your feedback and want to hear from you! The annual volunteer survey is now open, and your input helps us improve your experience and strengthen our programs.
Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts by completing the survey with the link below: www.surveymonkey.com/r/MCCOVolunteerSurvey2025
Thank you for your time and for the incredible impact you make towards relief, development, and peace through volunteering with MCC Ontario!
New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Feature Quilt Reveal
Each year, a talented individual or team creates a feature quilt for the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale, where hundreds of quilts are auctioned off in support of MCC. On January 27 at 9:30 a.m., the 2026 feature quilt will be unveiled! Join us in person in the foyer of Thrift on Kent in Kitchener for this exciting moment.
Great Winter Warm Up – January 31
Get ready to cozy up at the Great Winter Warm-up! Bring friends and family to the MCC Hub (65 Heritage Dr., New Hamburg) for a fun-filled comforter knotting blitz. Together, we’ll create handmade comforters that bring warmth and remind those in need that they are loved and cared for. No experience necessary.
Be an Active Bystander
Join our Training Active Bystanders (TAB) workshop and learn practical ways to respond to harmful or isolating behaviour in everyday life.
Date: January 19, 2026 | Time: 1:30–4:00 PM ET | Online - Zoom
MCC Ontario does not expect volunteers to enter unsafe situations— TAB is about building confidence for everyday scenarios. Register here: bit.ly/TABJan2026
Staying Healthy This Season!
To help keep everyone healthy, please follow these guidelines when deciding whether to come in for your volunteer shift—and let us know if you won’t be coming!
If you have any of these symptoms (not related to another condition), please stay home:
• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Runny nose or nasal congestion
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches or joint pain
• Stomach issues (such as vomiting or diarrhea) Before returning to volunteer, make sure:
• Your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you had nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea)
• You do not have a fever
• You have not developed any new symptoms
If you volunteered within 24 hours of the onset of any of these symptoms, please let your MCC Staff point person know, and we can monitor illnesses and keep our environment healthy.
Extra Tips for Staying Healthy:
• Wash your hands often
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Avoid touching your face
Masks are always available — just ask and we’ll be happy to provide one, and feel free to wear one during your shift.
Let’s work together to keep germs from spreading this season! :)
Give Gifts of Comfort and Joy Chris as Giving Guide
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: MCC’s annual Christmas giving guide is back! Every year, MCC publishes its Christmas guide as a way for you to give gifts with impact worldwide. In addition to a nice sweater or new toy for your loved one, add the gift of education for a girl in Ethiopia, or a duck for a family in Bangladesh.
Here are some unique gifts to add to your Christmas list:
Clean water at school
Share a gift of clean water!
This handwashing station at a primary school in Ethiopia helps Selam Bulo, a third-grade student, and her peers in Batu, Ethiopia stay clean, healthy and fully immersed in their studies. $25
Room at the inn
$75
For people on the move, an open door, a warm bed and a listening ear offer great comfort and hope. This gift helps people like pastors Victor Lampón Leon and Rocio Valencia Islas in Mexico have the supplies they need, including mattresses, pads and sheets so that they can extend hospitality to those moving through their communities.
Sewing machine
$150
Go the extra yard with a gift tailor-made for those who love to sew. With a machine of hers own, Mariyum Khatun of Bangladesh can start a new business to support her family.
This Christmas, by helping our global neighbours build skills, grow food or meet basic needs, your generosity brings cause for celebration long after your tree comes down and the lights are put away.
Find the 2025 Christmas catalogues at receiving, cash and volunteer lunch rooms. You can also distribute these to your churches – we have 25,000 copies to give out! Talk to your Volunteer Engagement Manager if you need copies.
You can also shop online by going to mcc.org/Christmas and sending an e-card after making your donation. Or call 888-622-6337 toll-free to talk to an MCC representative. You can select your gifts and request e-cards or paper-cards that you can send to your loved ones.
