MCC BC History

MCC has been active in BC since the 1940's when Mennonites who had settled the Fraser Valley in the late 20's began to help Mennonite immigrants coming to BC as well as collecting material goods for those in need around the world. Mennonite churches throughout BC held clothing drives twice a year, baling quality used clothing in BC and sending it on to Akron for shipment overseas. MCC BC continues to be a grassroots organization and churches here continue to support MCC in various ways: through thrift and furniture stores, through relief sales held through out the province, by volunteering in various ways at the MCC BC warehouse, and by in house fundraising efforts in churches. Many of MCC's constituents support MCC because they were recipients of MCC's relief efforts during WW2 as they fled war-torn Europe and came to Canada. As one volunteer helped pack school kits with her granddaughter, she shared her story of receiving a school kit while in a refugee camp in Germany. "I can still smell the crayons," she said.

As constituents share their stories with their children and grandchildren, the legacy of support for the ministry of MCC continues to grow. This commitment enables MCC BC to support the international work of MCC and several unique programs within BC:

Aboriginal Neighbours, which seeks to build bridges between first nations and non-aboriginal people.

Employment and Community Development enables people and communities towards economic self-reliance by empowering them to discover their gifts, develop their abilities, and mobilize resources to find sustainable work.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Resources, which seeks to help victims, offenders, and churches as they deal specifically with domestic violence or sexual abuse.

HIV/AIDS program, is unique to BC and supports people both infected and affected by this disease and seeks to educate churches about HIV/AIDS.

Peace Education, which organizes and sponsors many events focusing on a peace-oriented response to conflict in our world.

Refugee Assistance, which assists refugees and newcomers with sponsorship, family reunification, settlement and integration into Canadian society.