As a volunteer with MCC Thrift you continue a long legacy of MCC volunteers responding in very practical ways to real human need.
On a cold and blustery day in January, I travelled with a few staff and volunteers to MCC’s stationary meat cannery dedication and open house in New Hamburg, Ontario. For over a century, thousands of volunteers have helped MCC provide vital nutrition to those in need through the mobile meat canner! This tradition will continue in a new way, ensuring opportunities for a new generation of volunteers to be actively involved in MCC’s work. We’ll be sure to keep you updated!
Thanks for your ongoing practical response to human need through your involvement at our Thrift Shop in St. Catharines.
We are welcoming a new staff member to our team this month! Tymbi Gonsalves has joined
us on a contract basis for nine weeks, providing oversight on our retail floor. She comes to us with a background in Human Resources and Retail. Tymbi grew up in Jamaica and has lived in St. Catharines since the fall of 2018 with her husband and son. If you are a volunteer on our retail floor (cashier or associate), you may look to her for direction. Please welcome Tymbi to our team!
Tim Albrecht General Manager MCC Thrift, St.
Catharines
Tymbi Gonsalves
Volunteer Farewells
Ti has been a co-op student from Laura Secord High School. She volunteered with us for two hours every weekday morning during this past semester. Ti expressed her thankfulness for the kindness of volunteers and staff. She said, “The environment was very comfortable and a good pace. Many interesting things and people to learn about!” Thanks, Ti! We wish you well as you finish your high school commitments. Ti has her sights set on studying cosmetology at Niagara College.
Kevin Beardwood
Natalie Vandervelde
New Shop Signage!
We recently had some new signage installed at the front of our building, providing us room to advertise things like, “NO Tax at our Shop! We are 100% non-profit.”
Trudy Enns - A Retirement
Join us to celebrate Trudy’s faithful work with us at MCC Thrift over the past nine years.
When? Wed. Feb. 19, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Where? 5 Tabor Dr., St. Catharines. At the Tabor Manor Evergreen Lounge (basement). Park in the Scott St. Church parking lot closest to Tabor Manor. Enter at the “Spruce Lane” entrance and follow the signs to the lounge.
What? A “come-and-go” style, informal gathering, including a light meal which will include soup, made by MCC Program participants at the Raw Carrot Soup Enterprise. A short, informal presentation/program will take place at 6:15 pm.
MCC Photo/John Himes
Retail floor volunteers and staff prepare the Shop for the upcoming Valentine’s season!
MCC Photo/John Himes
Trudy Retires! “Farewell” but NOT Gone for Good!
With Trudy’s upcoming retirement, Tim took the opportunity to interview Trudy about some of her story, her work experience as a part-time manager at MCC Thrift, and her future plans.
Tim: What is your family history with MCC, the organization?
Trudy: Both sides of my family (Kliewer and Enns) were aided by MCC in 1924 on their trek to Canada from the Ukraine/Russia border.
Tim: What is your family history with MCC Thrift?
Trudy: My mom volunteered for over 30 years beginning at the Chetwood St. location in the mid70s. Her primary role was as a cashier. She liked to throw in extra items for people going on missions trips! She was very generous and was even more of a clown than me! I wanted to carry on that family legacy of volunteering and supporting the work of MCC.
Tim: When did you begin volunteering at our Shop?
Trudy: I came on as a volunteer around 2009 in our current location on Grantham Ave. on Thursday evenings. My first managers were Phil and Joan Steininger.
Tim: When did you become a staff member? Tell us how that happened.
Trudy: While I was volunteering, I heard about a part-time position that became available for a “Relief Manager.” I was encouraged to apply. I got the position and became an MCC Ontario staff member at the thrift shop in October 2015.
great relationships. When people leave, I find that hard. So, learning to continually be open to new relationships is good.
Tim: What’s going to be the hardest thing about retiring?
Volunteers aren’t allowed on ladders. I won’t be able to be on a ladder! But I won’t miss Tim getting after me for not putting a lid on my coffee! :)
Tim: Yes, it may be a challenge for us to keep you off the ladder. But did you know that you will be allowed to use a two-step step stool?
Tim: What are some of the blessings that came along while working over the past nine years?
Trudy: New friendships and memories with volunteers, and getting along great with my GM and other staff!
Tim: Change has been a constant in our Shop. What change do you think has been most beneficial?
Trudy: I try to go with the flow, but as I get older, I realize I have a harder time with it. Relational changes are tough. I love people and develop
Trudy: No! I didn’t know that.
Tim: If you know Trudy, she has figured out how to work and talk at the same time—even while climbing ladders! It’s quite a gift God has given her! Though Trudy is retiring, she’s planning to continue to be part of the work of MCC Thrift in a volunteer capacity once again. Trudy, what’s on the horizon for you?
Trudy: I’m heading to Italy in March. I plan to volunteer at the Shop if you’ll let me! And I’d like to actively work to support and volunteer at MCC’s new stationary meat canner! Of course, these plans are based on the strength … and health … and wealth that God gives me. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I plan to live life full and die empty.
Tim: We are grateful for the spice and fun you’ve added to our work atmosphere. Thank you for modelling generosity and kindness, carrying on your family legacy in the way you have as you’ve worked in our midst. We wish you God’s greatest blessings in this next chapter of life for you!
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.
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
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
