For the past 20 years, I have worked alongside volunteers, learning their stories and seeing their commitment to making MCC the organization it is today. You are our lifeline to bring peace, development and relief to less-fortunate areas through your hard work and unyielding devotion. From receiving, to many production areas, to retail folks, truck driving and every job between, we could not do what we do without you.
In today’s economic climate, it is not lost on us how fortunate we are to have so many people offering up their time to volunteer with us. Your contributions help local initiatives in our communities from partner organizations with local shelters, churches
BIRTHDAYS May
Lynn
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and programs that work with newcomers, people struggling with homelessness, and various other enterprises. Globally, MCC can have the impact it does because of all that you do.
National Volunteer Appreciation Week is from April 27 to May 3, and words cannot properly express the amount of gratitude we feel for all your hard work. Let your shop staff teams spoil you rotten this week as you deserve all the good things life has to offer.
On behalf of the Ontario network—thank you!
Karla Musselman
Thrift Coordinator
Retail store
Retail fashion
Hanging clothing
Cashier
Toys/Books
Hardware
Accessories
Sorting clothing
Sorting clothing
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Ways to be Involved
As we continue to celebrate the growth of the business and evaluate the ever-evolving needs of our shop, we are looking to create some different venues for volunteer input and engagement. To this end, we are discontinuing the Volunteer Advisory Committee (VAC). We want to thank the VAC for their input into the work of MCC Thrift on Kent over the years. Volunteering at TOK has typically been coming once a week (or twice) to volunteer in a specific department. Sometimes volunteers are interested in learning an additional role, and sometimes they pick up extra shifts as needed. We appreciate all that you do! At Christmas, we asked for people to take an extra shift to help with putting out Christmas merchandise, and we had a good number of people who helped out with that. These have been and still are the primary way volunteers contribute to the work at Thrift on Kent.
This month we would like to introduce some new initiatives at MCC Thrift on Kent, providing different opportunities to be involved.
Inclusion Solutions Group
The Inclusion Solutions group met in February for the first time. The purpose of this group is to provide space to hear about how we as TOK can work to reduce barriers for all our volunteers. Accessibility and inclusion covers everything from language barriers to physical accommodation— any barrier that could limit a volunteer’s ability to contribute at TOK and experience belonging. We want to hear feedback and come up with solutions together so that everyone feels heard and supported. Our second meeting will be in the Community Room upstairs on Wednesday May 7 from 10–11 a.m. All are welcome, even if you did not attend last time. Please let Giselle know if you are planning to attend.
Youth Engagement Brainstorming Meeting
We are looking for volunteers of any age who are interested in brainstorming with us on how to better engage youth (age 14–24) in the mission of MCC and in volunteering. The Youth Engagement Brainstorming meeting will be held on Wednesday
May 14 from 4:30–5:30 p.m. in the breakroom. We will be asking questions like this: How can TOK better engage youth volunteers with the work of MCC and with volunteering? If you are interested in being a part of a discussion on this topic, please let Giselle know.
Volunteer Event Planners
We are looking for Volunteer Event Planners! As you know, we have volunteer appreciation events throughout the year. Do you love organizing?
Decorating? Planning? If so, this committee could be a place for you to use those skills here at TOK. We are looking for four to six people who would be the core group to plan, as well as some people who are happy to help the day before events or the day of the event. If this interests you, please let Giselle know. The next event will be the June BBQ.
Volunteer Community Builders
As we look for ways to better support our new volunteers, we are looking for Volunteer Community Builders. Many people who come here to volunteer are looking not only for purposeful work but, equally as importantly, also for belonging and community. The purpose of having Volunteer Community Builders is to engage volunteers who are welcoming, inclusive, and friendly to help us in ensuring that all volunteers develop connections and a sense of belonging. We are looking for nominations!
We are looking for people who are friendly, welcoming and non-judgmental and who have good rapport with others. Do you know a volunteer who would be a good fit for this role? There are nomination forms in the breakroom by the TV and snacks. You can fill one out to nominate someone who you think would be great for this role. Nominations will be open for the month of May. Thanks for your help with this!
Reminder: If you take a mug of coffee or tea to your workstation, please remember to return the mug to the kitchen at the end of your shift. This keeps our work areas tidy and ensures that mugs don’t go missing. Thanks!
Donation Drive Kit
Did you know that we have a donation drive kit? If you think your church or community group would be interested in having a donation drive, please speak with Giselle. We can provide advertising brochures and coordinate a pickup of donations. We can also speak to your group about the work of MCC. This is a great way to help spread the word about what MCC does and get donations for our store.
Welcome!
Welcome to all our new volunteers! We are thankful for your willingness to help with our mission here at MCC TOK!
Muqadas, Mariana, Titilayo, Gem, Misha and Clyde – retail fashion
Colin and Suhail – receiving
Joy and Sana – retail store
New Volunteer Role: Greeter!
Deborah and Mariana – cash Ammar – hardware
Matej – electrical Jordie – toys
As you know, our shop can be a very busy place! We are looking to have someone be a greeter during our busy hours. A greeter would welcome customers, answer customer questions, listen to their suggestions, tidy shopping carts and unlock cases for customers and bring items to cash. Please spread the word to people who you think may be good for this role. Thanks for your help!
Unique Donations of the Month
Guess who is modelling this amazing mask? Shelley modelling this old-fashioned hair dryer with nail dryer accessory
An amazingly large pink croc that sold quickly
And my favourite, a Mrs. Potts piggy bank … would have been even awesomer if it was a teapot!
Youth (age 16–24) Volunteer Research Project
I recently participated in a York University research project about youth volunteerism in Ontario. They are looking to speak with young people (age 16–24) who currently volunteer in order to understand youth perspectives on their experience. Their goal is to help nonprofits make volunteering better for young people. This interview would take place online and would take up to one hour. Those who participate will also get the chance to learn about the research project and participate in the analysis if they would like to gain that experience. Please let me know if you are interested and I will put you in touch with the researcher.
- Giselle
Active Bystander Training
Join Active Bystander Training (TAB) to learn how to safely intervene when you see harmful or isolating behavior. We’ll address bullying, relationship abuse, sexual violence, and emotional distress—helping you overcome hesitation and respond nonviolently. Strengthen our community with everyday actions that make a difference. Sign up and be a force for good!
We will be holding our next TAB workshop on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM on Zoom. If you are interested in attending, please register here (mcc.zoom.us/meeting/register/luCR83gEQPOZmuSB83f5A#/registration)
A blessing for our volunteers
Watch the video as a longtime MCC volunteer shares a meaningful prayer—a meaningful reminder of the care and commitment behind every act of service. Thank you for all that you do.
