At Winkler MCC Thrift, it’s more than just shelves of gently used treasures—it’s a place where community, generosity, and unexpected stories intersect every day. Longtime volunteer Al Ens has seen it all, from a group of young hockey fans seeking white wedding dresses for a Winnipeg Jets Whiteout celebration, to rare finds that do very well in the silent auction. Through it all, one thing remains constant: the heart of the operation is people—those who give, shop, and volunteer.
Silent auction finds and thrift store treasures
The monthly silent auction continues to be a draw, and Ens has seen it all. “It wraps up usually the last Friday of the month,” he says. Some of the items that pass through the store still surprise him. “We had a vintage red wagon that we just cleaned up—it had no bumps or bruises—and it sold for $100.” He also recalls seeing many other rare or unexpected items appear in the donation rooms. “We get things you don’t expect,” he says. “Sometimes I wonder how we ended up with them.”
Jets fans say yes to the (white) dress
To add to the fun of thrift shopping, recently a group of Winnipeg Jets superfans visited the Winkler MCC Thrift store in search of a very specific item. “We had Jets fans from Winnipeg come in looking for white wedding dresses for the playoffs,” Al laughed. “Apparently, it’s part of their whiteout tradition. They wear them to games. We call that area of our store the "4th St. Boutique". Not what you expect, but we’re happy to help!”
A touch of floral beauty
Ens was quick to highlight a recent addition that’s added a splash of colour. "I think our best secret is our florist department", Ens shares. "We have Betty Klassen and Margaret Penner, then there's Frieda Wall, Carol Neufeld and some other girls. They do such a wonderful job with these flowers.".
Ens shares that the floral department, which was started by members of Winkler's former Horticulture Society, is a highlight not just for the individual shopper, but for local businesses as well. "There are a number of businesses that have a standing order every month or every few months to bring us a new big display of flowers and and some will order sets for weddings.".
The importance of volunteerism
If you're looking for a place to connect and give back, Ens says giving your time at MCC Winkler is as rewarding as it is essential. “We would never say no to volunteers,” said Ens. “I think it would be good if some of us could be on the floor because people always have questions. And when we work in the back, then people don’t get to ask us.”
For Ens, the benefits of volunteering go far beyond the tasks at hand. “It is a wonderful place to work. For me, it’s been a new set of friends. I had my business associate friends, my church friends, my sports friends, my singing friends—and now I have my MCC friends.”
A place where stories live
Whether it’s the flowers, the thrill of a silent auction, or the laughter over playoff fashion choices, MCC Winkler continues to be a reflection of the community it serves. And for Al Ens, it’s proof that when people come together—whether to donate, volunteer, or shop—they help create something far bigger than a thrift store. They create connection, care, and lasting impact. Be sure to follow along on their recently released social media pages: Facebook/WinklerMCCThrift
Have you ever wondered what happens in the "back" of Winkler's MCC Thrift Store? Check out this video for a tour from Board Chair Dave Penner: