There was a time when I’d thought I’d never go back into retail. My work life was split between retail and church until something had to give. I thought I’d never go back. Then came MCC Ontario, Care and Share and all of you.
In thrift, as in retail, it’s easy to get caught up in the “work” and lose sight of the purpose. I’ve spent the last nine months trying not to do that. Asking myself what Care and Share is and what Care and Share can be.
For me, I find at least part of my answer, in each of you. In Staff and Volunteers who don’t simply work at Care and Share but embody it. Being the Care of the Care and Share.
We are more than a thrift store. We are the Care and Share.
We don’t just sort donations, stock shelves, and ring up sales—We live out care.
We listen when someone needs to talk. We offer help before it’s asked. We celebrate birthdays and milestones. We welcome co-op students, high school volunteers, school groups and new immigrants. That is being the care.
We give donated items a second life and provide
customers with cared for items for great prices. That is being the care.
We help fund programs for those in need and in that. We are being the care.
We treat everyone who walks through our doors the same. Showing compassion, dignity and respect for all. We are being the care.
We support groups like the Markham Stouffville Foodbank, Rise Support Centre and Fight 4 Freedom. We are being the care.
I never thought I’d go back to retail but each day I’m here makes me glad I did. Each day I am reminded, Care and Share is much more than our name. It is our mission. And that mission is far from over.
We do much. How can we do more?
What connections do we have? What connections can we build? With local churches, schools, community groups, businesses groups and even more. How can this community of care “be the care” to a community in need to care?
Caring with kindness - Sharing with purpose. Being the Care - Living the Share.
Brian Ingram Acting General Manager MCC Care & Share
We are excited to welcome our new volunteers!
Ha Krish Parmar
Athena Deng
Stella
Alvin Chan Kurtis Bloch
SDSS Students Give Back Through Volunteer Work at MCC Care and Share Thrift Shop
We are saying goodbye to a wonderful group of high school students, and their teacher wrote us a nice letter to add to our newsletter.
Stouffville District Secondary School students recently had a rewarding opportunity to volunteer at the MCC Care and Share Thrift Shop, and the experience was nothing short of inspiring. Through their time at the store, students not only gave back to the community but also gained valuable life and job skills that will stay with them for years to come. Our students were involved in a variety of tasks, including property maintenance and yard cleanup, organizing clothing items, cleaning and dusting shelves, and arranging store displays. In addition to the hands-on work, they had the chance to interact with other community members and dedicated volunteers, allowing them to grow their communication and interpersonal skills.
Shop Updates
We are also saying goodbye to an amazing co-op student Philip, he was incredibly hard working, eager and excited to be here, so polite and always had a smile on his face. There wasn’t one person who didn’t love him. There are some photos there as well of him with his farewell cake. Also, everyone thought it was hilarious how he decided to cut the cake, it made for a good conversation starter as the day continued on and it was “the cake with teeth!”
Volunteering at the store helped students develop a strong sense of responsibility, accountability, and initiative. Many students expressed how meaningful it was to contribute to a cause bigger than themselves, learning firsthand about the importance of charity, donations, and helping others in need.
They also gained practical job skills such as working in teams, reporting to managers, providing customer service, and being proactive in a workplace setting. This experience provided a glimpse into real-world work environments and helped our students build confidence in their abilities.
We are so proud of our students for their enthusiasm and commitment to service. Thank you to MCC Care and Share Thrift Shop for welcoming our students and giving them the chance to learn, grow, and give back. This partnership truly reflects the spirit of community that makes Stouffville so special.
A Special Thank you
Everyone at Care & Share,
Thank you for taking on Philip as a Co-Op student this semester. You have all been so welcoming and kind and have allowed Philip to grow and learn.
Have a great summer and hope to work together again in the future!
Olivia Talarico, Co-op Teacher, St. Brother Andre Catholic High School
Goodbye
We are also saying goodbye to a couple other students – Danielle and Vee!
Danielle is the one in all purple, and Vee is the last on the end with the black sweater. Martina wanted to be in the photo too, and Selina had brought her daughter Isabella to the farewell party with her because she was home sick, and she was immediately embraced by everyone which was extremely heartwarming to see!
July
BIRTHDAYS
Judy Ahamad
Ruth Moore
Nathan Chan
Janis Sanford
Svitlana Slobodianiuk
Julia Cordeiro
Summer Fun
For those among us who have young children or grandchildren excited that summer is finally here and for those young at heart among us who still remember waiting for school to end and those glorious days of summer. Here’s hoping it brings a smile....
Surviving 6th Grade
The 6th grade I tell you it’s hard to get through What some teachers won’t ask a poor kid to do! And now almost over, the year all but gone I sit twiddling my thumbs watching birds fly along.
Should this day go much slower I’ll just go insane! Half the class blew this day off, silly me I remain. Sitting here I daydream of what summer will bring, Spend all my days fishing or just not do a thing.
“Enjoy it” dad tells me “make the most of these days”
“Some day work and money will hide the suns rays.” Now, if that’s what you tell me I look forward to, I choose not to grow up! You can’t make me, I’ll sue!!
Okay, I guess growing up is a thing I can’t stop I’ll be fine just as long as there’s puddles to hop. My brothers are older they say they know best I’m happy having fun let them call me a pest.
“Come now, pay attention” the teacher says to “You’ve still work to finish, this day is not through” Oh could there be a worse end to this long day than this?!?
Bad enough I’m stuck here, now math sums you insist?
Sitting watching the clock seems my burden to bear, My reward for coming. I tell you, it’s not fair! Ah but now the years over, no more I’ll complain Two long months of freedom, driving parents insane.
Around the Shop
Connect your Church to MCC
Does your church know about MCC? If not, would you like to see your church engage with MCC? If the answer is yes, consider introducing Stephen Roy to your pastor or another church leader. This could be the first step in starting a conversation about introducing MCC to your church and exploring ways to get involved. If this opportunity interests you, please get in touch with Stephen Roy, Church and Community Relations Associate, at stephenroy@mcco.ca or 226-978-6124.
Building Tomorrow Our Strategic Plan 2025-2030
MCC Ontario Peace Conference
November 1, 2025 at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate in Kitchener
The MCC Peace Conference is your chance to learn the art of everyday peace and experience firsthand how you and MCC are changing lives and communities through peacebuilding. This event will inspire and inform through general sessions and conversations with messengers of peace. Save the date (November 1) and stay tuned for more details!
Undercurrents Episode
In last month’s newsletter, you read a short version of Justin’s powerful story - now listen to the full story in his own voice in the new Undercurrents podcast! You’ll also hear the voice of Esther, a young woman from the DR Congo who shares her greatest hope with us.
A Strawberry Thanksgiving to Remember
Your work in MCC’s thrift shops is supporting the important work of building relationships with and walking alongside Indigenous communities on the path of truth and reconciliation.
On June 14, more than 170 people gathered at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate in Kitchener to take part in an event co-hosted by MCC that blended learning, relationship-building and celebration: the fourth Strawberry Thanksgiving & Communion. The day was led by Adrian Jacobs, Ganosono of the Turtle Clan, Cayuga Nation and Senior Leader for Indigenous Justice and Reconciliation with the Christian Reformed Church in North America.
For nearly two decades, Adrian has invited churches to reflect deeply on land, relationship and reconciliation. Through the “Spiritual Covenant,”— an idea he received from his elder Rick Hill at Six Nations — Adrian encourages nonIndigenous Christians to work toward tangible land justice. The Spiritual Covenant has three parts: to acknowledgement First Nations jurisdiction over their land, to pay annual token lease payments to First Nations, and a pledge that if the church ever closed, that the land would revert back to First Nations.
organizations including Mennonite, Christian Reformed, United, Lutheran churches sat side by side to listen, share, and take part in learning and ceremony that honoured both Indigenous and Christian traditions. This included the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address, which is a prayer of gratitude to Creator for all that he provides us; and a communion service with strawberry juice to represent the union with Christ.
Saturday’s event brought those teachings to life. Participants from many denominations and closing ceremony dance.
Representatives from Southridge Community Church, Meadowlands Christian Reformed Church, Nations Uniting, Waterloo North Mennonite Church, and Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church shared about their journey toward the Spiritual Covenant. With the support of a multidenominational planning team and the partnership of Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, the event brought together generations to learn, reflect and act. In the spirit of the Strawberry Thanksgiving, the day was a heartfelt expression of thanksgiving to the Creator—and a step forward on the path of reconciliation.
To learn more of Adrian’s story and the Spiritual Covenant, listen to MCC’s Undercurrent’s podcast at mcc.org/undercurrents.
