In order to get some feedback I spent some time the other day having a look at our online reviews. I have to tell you how immensely happy and proud I was with the results. In case you ever have any doubt about the value of your work I’d encourage you to look as well. Almost universally the comments mention how the volunteers are absolutely amazing, that the store is always full of interesting things (yay production!), and that donating is quick and easy with the donors feeling appreciated by the volunteers. Comments like these really point out just how appreciated everything you do is in our community! On behalf of our customers and donors Thank YOU!!!!!
I do want to make a special thank you to everyone involved in the plant sale this year. It has been an incredible success. May 1 marked a new record –almost $17500 in plants, and over $33,000 in total for the store. This is without a doubt the regular sales, single highest total ever at a Canadian thrift shop!!! The work that the volunteers put in year round, and throughout the month of May makes a huge impact in helping others!
Hello from Evelyne
I’d also like to take a moment to encourage you in what you’re doing. I’d imagine you’re reading this either at the end of May, or just after it, which means the tempo of all we do has reached a fever pitch and the volumes that we are dealing with in all areas are exploding. Super busy time for everyone, but also a time during which I’d encourage you to stop and appreciate what’s happening. Stop for a minute to enjoy and have some fun!
I do want to welcome two new staff members to the team here – Evelyne Vos has joined us in the processing of housewares/crafts etc to cover for Alayna’s maternity leave, and Noman Sajjad has joined us in receiving. You’ll find their introductions further down in this newsletter. A big welcome to both of them!
As always I want to close by saying thank you. Everything that happens in the shop and the lives that are touched by MCC’s work is directly because of you. You are appreciated!
Mark Patfield
General Manager MCC
New Hamburg Thrift Centre
I was born in the country well known for its cheese, tulips and klompen (wooden shoes).
I live in Tavistock together with Candy my cat. In my spare time I like to read, take pottery classes, play pickle ball. Few fun facts about me, I have no middle name
Have mayonnaise on my fries
Wear earmuffs when vacuuming
Evelyne
Noman Says Hi!
Hi Everyone!
I’m Noman Sajjad, and I’m super pumped to have joined MCC Thrift New Hamburg as part of the Receiving Team!
A few quirky things about me: I’m a hardcore conversationalist, a total team player, an unapologetic steak enthusiast, and I love swimming (just not in the Canadian winters, thanks). Oh and I’m proud to say I’ve officially survived driving through my first Canadian winter... barely, but hey, a win’s a win!
Originally from Pakistan, I’m a peace practitioner by profession with years of experience rolling out peace projects, work that really fuels my passion and purpose.
I’m beyond excited to be part of this awesome team, and I can’t wait to dive into the good vibes, great work, and hopefully some shared laughs along the way! Here’s to making this journey fun, meaningful, and full of good thrift finds! :) Cheers, Noman
Volunteer Openings
Retail Floor Support: Volunteers needed to assist with tidying up the store.
• Monday morning 8 am to 12
• Monday afternoon 1 pm to 5 pm
• Saturday morning from 9 am to 1pm and afternoon from 1 to 5 pm
Cashier: No experience needed
• Friday morning 9 am to 1pm or afternoon 1 pm to 5 pm
• Saturday morning from 9 am to 1 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 1pm to 4 pm
• Tuesday morning from 9 am to 12 pm or Tuesday Afternoon from 1pm to 4 pm and
• 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 required. Shifts available:
• Monday afternoon 1 pm to 5 pm,
• Tuesday afternoon 1 pm to 5 pm
• Friday morning 9 am to 1 pm
Safety Corner
After a long winter, dust and dirt can collect in your home like snowdrifts in Alaska – making spring cleaning a must.
Before tackling this annual chore, though, you should be aware of the hazards that may await you: handling household chemicals, lifting heavy objects, navigating around clutter, walking on wet surfaces, and reaching or climbing – to name a few.
Here are 12 tips for keeping spring cleaning safe.
Declutter before cleaning
Before you start cleaning, clear any clutter that you could trip over.
Go mild
Limit the use of harsh cleaning or disinfectant products such as bleach and ammonia, and never mix the two – doing so can create toxic fumes. (To help prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in your home, the Environment Protection Agency has a searchable list of registered disinfectants.)
Read the label
Each cleaning or disinfectant product should have a label describing proper use of it and safety precautions to follow during use. Take a minute to read the label and follow the instructions.
Ventilation is your friend
When using cleaning or disinfectant products, open windows or a door, and run a fan to help air circulate.
Consider a mask
If you have allergies or breathing issues, wear a mask to prevent allergic reactions and irritation.
Glove up
It’s a good idea to wear rubber gloves when using some household cleaners. The gloves can help
prevent reactions (e.g., rashes, skin redness) from exposure.
Get a mop
When you’re cleaning floors, avoid working on your hands and knees, which could cause sprains and strains. Use a mop instead, including when you’re cleaning a bathtub.
Avoid wet floors
Wet floors are a danger zone for slips and falls. Allow freshly cleaned floors to dry before walking on them.
Safely store cleaning products
Keep them in a clean, cool, dry space where children and pets can’t get to them.
Stay safe on step stools
Using a step stool? Be careful! Always place it on a level surface before using, and choose one with a handle or railing so you can maintain three points of contact (two feet and one hand) for optimal safety. One hand can be free for cleaning tasks. Make sure the stool’s steps are large enough to properly fit your feet, and face the stool when climbing up or down. Set up the stool close to where you’re cleaning, and never attempt to move it while standing on it.
Lift with caution
When lifting or moving furniture and other heavy objects, ask for help. Bend with your knees – not your back – and use your leg muscles to avoid a back injury.
Stay hydrated
Spring cleaning is great exercise, so drink plenty of water and take rest breaks.
Welcome!
We welcome our new volunteer who started with us recently!
Menchie Bunyi
Tina Morin
Colin Morin
Ben Becker
Esther Buck
Paris Pozeg
Receiving/Clothing
Receiving
Receiving
Receiving Plant Sale
Floor Support
June
Ken Albrecht
Edith Burkhiolder
Rosemary Snyder
Lori Crouse
Diana Bast
Matthew Bachan
Gloria Richardson
Delphine Schwartzentruber
Judy Chapman
Eleanor Wolfe
Judy Wagler
Janet Richmond
BIRTHDAYS
Recycling - Metal
Clothing - Support
Retail Floor Support Cashier
Retail Floor Support
Jack of All Trades
Clothing - Sorting
Cashier/Stuffies
Clothing - Support
Books
Kathy Duncan
Kathy Radigan
Xavier Kasper
Diane Lichti
Betty Murray
Ruth Steinman
John Howling
Linda Skinner
Cathy Smythe
Margret Nodwell
Donna Kroetsch
Karin Demerling
Potting - Plant Sale
Jack of All Trades Footwear
Books - Pricing
Clothing - Hanging
Receiving
Cashier
Clothing - Support
Cashier
Potting - Plant Sale
Stationary
Around the Shop
Emma’s got a talent for capturing our amazing volunteers in action! From sorting to organizing and everything in between, every moment tells a story. Thank you to our volunteers for bringing energy and heart to the shop!
A Voice for the Voiceless: Justin’s Journey from DRC to Canada
Your work in volunteering at MCC’s thrift shop allows MCC to support refugees and their sponsors who are generously choosing welcome to support refugees resettling in Canada.
Justin Zihindula is one of those people. Justin has not only sponsored folks to resettle in Canada, but he himself was a refugee once and carries the weight of decades of war, displacement and survival. A nurse practitioner from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Justin fled his homeland in 2003 when the conflict that began with the fall of President Mobutu in 1997 turned into a prolonged humanitarian crisis.
“The entire country was invaded… people were killed… the displacement is unspeakable,” Justin says. According to reports, over 6 million people have been killed in the conflict since 1997.
He lived in Uganda for six years, witnessing thousands of Congolese trapped in refugee camps without basic needs. He eventually resettled in Canada in 2009 with his wife, children and niece. Determined to help others, he sponsored additional family members and, more recently, a young woman and her children whose lives were threatened after she resisted a job offer from an illegal organ trafficking operation. Despite the trauma, Justin has not turned away from the needs of his people. He returned to DRC in 2020 to assess the impact of displacement and famine and
continues to advocate for those still waiting for safety. “There are very many Congolese currently in Uganda who have been there for over 10, 20 years… They have no clean water, they have no food, they have nothing.”
The ongoing crisis in eastern DRC has reached a new level of urgency. In January 2025, the rebel group M23 escalated violence in Goma, displacing hundreds of thousands. “My family members had to run for their lives,” Justin says. “Children saw corpses lying in the streets. It’s horrifying.”
Through it all, Justin remains deeply grateful:
Bahati Kamara Chance, receives food from MCC partner ECC MERU during the distribution to war-displaced people at the Poste camp in Minova, South Kivu, DRC. She received corn flour, salt, and beans. MCC has been working in DRC since 1960.
“Thank you to MCC for the tremendous work they have invested in… helping many refugees who are stuck and who have no voice. I pray that MCC continues to connect with new sponsors—people with the heart to help. We need them.”
With more than 8 million people displaced inside DRC and over 1 million seeking refuge abroad, MCC’s commitment to peace, advocacy and sponsorship offers a lifeline of
hope. In addition to supporting refugee sponsorship here in Ontario, MCC is also responding to the humanitarian crisis in DRC with hygiene kits, cash distribution, and long-term livelihood trainings and development projects for those affected by the violence.
