The Steinbach Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Thrift Shop is extending a heartfelt thank you to its volunteers.
On Monday evening, the organization hosted an appreciation barbecue to recognize both new and long-time volunteers for their commitment to the store and its mission.
Dave Thiessen, manager of the Steinbach location, says Island Breeze served as the catering team for the event, which drew out people of all ages—a reflection of the shop's diverse volunteer base.
"There was a grandma, a mom, and a little 10-year-old girl...three generations of volunteers sitting at the table together there with family," he says.
Who volunteers with MCC Thrift Shop?
Among the many faithful volunteers, Thiessen says one woman named Mary has been with the shop since 1974—just two years after it first opened.
Thiessen believes she may be the longest-standing volunteer, having spent time on the floor, on the board of directors, and even serving as a volunteer manager.
"In those years, nobody got paid at all," he says.
Another long-time volunteer, 96-year-old Dan, continues to show up every day.
"He's an inspiration and an example to so many that are here, and to so many of the young ones," Thiessen says. "He just keeps going."
The manager explains a good deal of recruits are newcomers, who value the benefits of volunteering.
"It's the idea of getting some real life, local experience, something to put on the resume and to help them be more comfortable with the language and the culture, and just kind of how things are here," he explains.
While not every volunteer stays long-term, Thiessen says the organization is grateful for every helping hand.
Looking ahead
Thiessen says in recent years, the Steinbach MCC Thrift Shop has undergone several upgrades.
"We've upgraded our signage, we've paved a big piece of parking lot. We're always looking for ways to keep improving things. We had windows that needed to be replaced—there's probably a long list," he says.
He's confident the shop won't be going anywhere anytime soon, as long as people remember why it exists.
"We do support...all the programs for Mennonite Central Committee, but we still have a very strong component supporting our local charities that, in turn, support vulnerable folks in our community," Thiessen says.
Last year, the store generated enough funds to donate more than $40,000 to local charities he says, and would like to outdo that this year.
He says each month, sales amount to around $150,000, and one third of that is donated to charity.
"We're happy to have 67,800 paying customers through the door every year," Thiessen says. "It's all contributing to good causes around the world and locally."
Written with files from Adi Loewen