January 2025 Volunteer Newsletter Kitchener

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Keeping our valued volunteers informed

A Message From Our Thrift Director

Dear Volunteers,

As we step into a new year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all that you do. Your time, effort and care are gifts that breathe life into the mission of MCC Thrift. Each hour you dedicate— sorting donations, welcoming shoppers, arranging displays or working behind the scenes—carries a ripple effect far beyond what we can see. Your service not only makes our shops welcoming spaces but also transforms lives, from local communities here in Ontario to families and individuals in need across the globe.

The work you do is deeply rooted in the values of service and love for our neighbours. Through your commitment, we’ve seen tangible results: food security initiatives, education programs for children

BIRTHDAYS January

and peacebuilding efforts in conflict zones. Closer to home, you’ve helped foster a culture of sustainability and provided affordable options for those in need. As Proverbs 11:25 reminds us, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Your generosity refreshes countless lives, reflecting God’s love in action.

As this year unfolds, may you be blessed with health, joy and the knowledge that your efforts continue to make a difference. Your hands and hearts are part of something far-reaching and transformative. Thank you for being a vital part of this work—your contributions are cherished beyond words. With deep appreciation,

Lynda Lynch

MCC Ontario Thrift Director

A Big Thank You to Our Seasonal Staff

Bhavika and Tetiana who worked part time for the Christmas season—we appreciate you! Also, to our many volunteers who helped with Christmas: there is a whole other department of stuff to put out and replenish during this season, and we are grateful for those of you who offered to help with that.

Christmas Party Overview

Our Christmas party on the 12th was a great success! We enjoyed celebrating the season together with delicious food, music from the Rockway Mennonite Collegiate choir, entertainment by your TOK staff and conversation. Here are a few pictures from the event for those who missed it:

Volunteer Positions

Do you know someone who likes to drive? We are looking for people who would be willing to drive the truck a few times a month to deliver furniture or take things to the dump. If you know someone who may be interested, send them to Giselle. Thanks!

CONGRATULATIONS

to Our Volunteers Who Have Reached Volunteer Milestones!

Our Christmas party on the 12th was a great success! We enjoyed celebrating the season together with delicious food, music from the Rockway Mennonite Collegiate choir, entertainment by your TOK staff and conversation. Here are a few pictures from the event for those who missed it:

5 YEARS

Elise Hannah

Woody Moshier

Claudette Meyer

Alison Ashford

Ryan Steel

Lydia Reid

Corinne Redmond

Susan Hipperson

Terry Shantz

Sue Holmes

Joyce Reesor

Anne Mank

Mary Lou Justason

Linda Whitmore

Andy Koopmans

Diane Bohonoski

10 YEARS

Curtis Billson

Gloria Lebold

Bruce MacVicar

Penny MacVicar

Donna Metzger

Eleanor Neufeld

Gord Burmaster

Welcome to our new volunteers!

Bhakti volunteers in retail fashion, and Paula volunteers in both frames and retail fashion. Welcome to the team!

Andre, Elvan, Anderson and Carly are in receiving. Chuck and Bishal are super happy to have you!

Sandy and Mo Hay are in retail fashion. We are grateful for evening volunteers—thank you!

Annual MCC Ontario Volunteer Survey

You may have already received the MCC Ontario Volunteer Survey. MCC Ontario cares about the experience you and the many other volunteers are having while giving of your time and skills to serve alongside us in this work of relief, development and peace. We would love to hear from you to help us see what is going well and what we need to work on. Kindly click this link to share your feedback with us: www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024MCCOVOLUNTEER

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