February is a good time to stay warm and cozy, visit our strategic plan and re-think how we can improve ourselves and the space for MCC Thrift on Mill to grow and be in order in the shop. Last month we took some time offsite to consider what we can do to improve our communications and other things
Therefore
• More shoppable
• More engaging
• More interesting
Last year we asked you if you had any suggestions for improvement and you said:
1. “Keep the cashier counters cleaner (de-clutter) and tidy shelves behind cash.”
2. If you have any more ideas, please add them to the suggestion box in the volunteer room. We love to
PennyHanslien
General Manager MCC Thrift on Mill BIRTHDAYS
MCC Thrift on Mill News
Welcome to Ghian Jose and Jerick Camungao— high school students serving after school on Fridays from 4–7 Receiving
Nicole Bell—high school student serving as general labour for our various needs on Thursdays from 4–8
Darlene Shepley begins with us sorting and pricing Housewares on Thursdays with Janice Boldt from 1–4.
Avery Dyck is a high school student interested in investigating more of her Mennonite roots! She begins with us on Saturdays from 9–1 on cash.
Thank you all for your service!
Ghian Jose
Jerick Camungao
Nicole Bell
Darlene Shepley
Volunteer Spotlight
Do you know Margaret Berze and Eva Guenther?
How long have you been volunteering with MCC?
Eva: Since December 2, 2019
Margaret: Since December 6, 2022
How did you first get started volunteering?
Eva: I was first introduced to MCC as a co-op student. I went to Old Colony Mennonite Church in Blytheswood and started as a student here.
Margaret: I first heard about the need for volunteers at my church. Tracy Lepp guided me in the store and introduced me to Eva. I was shy at first. We have become amazing friends, and it’s easy to communicate together. She showed me how to do cash. My son and I volunteer together sometimes.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering here?
Eva: I like working at cash the most. I sometimes walk the floor and find bags that have been ripped open. I
like to tidy up the children’s toy section when needed as well.
Margaret: I love praying before we start work. I like finding all kinds of good bargains. I’m cheap! So, I find lots of good things.
Like, one time, a beautiful frame I had of my son’s hockey team photo—it got broken, but I found a similar-sized one here and we were able to use that for the hockey photo instead.
What would you like the other volunteers to know about the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community— anything coming for 2025?
Margaret: Yes! On Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3 there is a Mayfest in Toronto spotlighting Deaf and hard-of-hearing artists and it is amazing! So loud but so fun. Deaf awareness month is every September. Sometimes there are celebrations in Michigan too.
Also, I would like to teach others not to use their voice when speaking with us. We are Deaf and can’t hear the sounds. Instead:
Use tapping us on the shoulder or above our shoulder to communicate.
Use body language or gestures to indicate what you want.
Don’t be afraid to use sign language because we are always happy to teach!
Margaret and Eva are happy Penny’s learning sign language.
God bless everyone with our love and hearts!
We need evening volunteers!
Do you know anyone who would be interested in helping run the store in the evenings from 5–8? Please send them to our volunteer application: www.volgistics.com/appform/1017969794
Volunteers Needed
1. One cashier needed – Friday nights from 5–8 p.m.
2. Crafts helper needed – once or twice/week on Mondays or Thursdays to train then other days as your schedule allows (not Wednesdays)
3. Linens helper needed – Tuesday and Thursday afternoons
4. We need one receiver – Friday mornings 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
5. We need one receiver –Saturdays 9 a.m.–1 p.m. or 1–4 p.m.
Please see Ken if you know of anyone.
Again, from the bottom of our hearts, we want to tell you how well the shop is doing and how very grateful we are for your volunteerism. May God bless you all!
Health & Safety Reminders
(Read more about this policy in section 3 of the MCC Volunteer Orientation Manual. If you are not sure where to find the manual, please talk to your Volunteer Manager or General Manager)
If you get hurt, experience difficulties, or see something out of sorts while volunteering with us, we want to know about it immediately. Here are the steps to follow:
• Tell a supervisor or other MCC staff immediately.
• Help them fill out an incident report.
• Offer any helpful suggestions for creating a healthier and safer environment.
Volunteers must report the following to a supervisor/MCC staff immediately:
• All injuries, incidents, and unusual conditions.
• Any missing or defective equipment or protective device.
• Any observed hazards.
• Any risks or potential risks of violence or harassment encountered in the workplace. Thank you for helping us as we continue to provide safe and positive volunteer experiences for all!
MCC Speaks Up Service
If you think someone part of MCC abused their power or did something wrong, you are encouraged to report your concern. Here are some ways to do that:
1. Talk to someone:
A. The supervisor responsible for volunteers at your shop or program
B. Holly McClement, Volunteer Services Manager, hollymcclement@mcco.ca, 519-745-8458 x 366
C. Kim Knight, Human Resources Manager, kimknight@mcco.ca, 226-242-9737
D. Wendy Adema, Director of People and Programs, wendyadema@mcco.ca, 519-745-8458 x 244
2. Use the Speak Up Service:
This is a way to report problems or concerns. A company called NAVEX (EthicsPoint) helps with this. You can fill out a form online or call them on the phone. You can use your computer or a smartphone, and they’ll talk to you in the language you like.
You might want to use the Speak Up Service if:
• You don’t want anyone to know who you are (you can choose to stay secret or give your name).
• You want to report directly into the system MCC uses.
• You can’t or don’t want to talk to a person.
• You feel scared to tell a person.
Ways to use the Speak Up Service: Online: mcc.ethicspoint.com | Mobile: mcc.navexone.com | Call Toll-free: 844-974-5078
There will be posters around the MCC offices, shops, and programs for more information on how to use this service. If you are not sure where to find one, please contact Holly McClement, hollymcclement@mcco.ca 519745-8458 x 366
2024 ONTARIO
THRIFT SHOPS
2,820,965 items, including clothing, furniture and household goods, were thoughtfully reused, helping both people and the planet through MCC Ontario Thrift Shops.
VOLUNTEERS
1,801 volunteers embodied compassion and hope for countless lives.
INTERNATIONAL
YEAR
GLANCE AT A
GLANCE
INDIGENOUS NEIGHBOURS
305 initiatives strengthened local food sovereignty in northern Indigenous communities.
MEAT CANNERY
Construction started on Ontario’s first stationary meat cannery, which will provide essential nutrients to those in need worldwide.
THE RAW CARROT
The Raw Carrot Soup Enterprise provided over 1,400 hours of employment that matters.
MATERIAL RESOURCES
116,125 people received hygiene items, including menstrual health supplies*
EMERGENCY RELIEF
Relief aid shipments reached communities in Malawi, Ukraine, Burundi, Cuba, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Palestine, Zambia and the USA, providing critical support to those in need.
299,458 people received emergency food assistance*
BRINGING HOPE
194 newcomers were welcomed to Ontario, beginning new lives of hope and opportunity.
ADVOCACY
15 advocacy initiatives aimed to create meaningful change and improve the lives of the most vulnerable.
DEVELOPMENT
40,726 people trained in climate-adaptive agriculture practices*
46,247 people now have access to an improved water source*
44,358 people globally received training in human rights*
Relief, development and peace in the name of Christ | mcc.org
