Volunteers Make it Happen!

Volunteers are at the heart of MCC. They began this organization more than 80 years ago as a response to desperate need in the world. Today, that tradition continues as volunteers serve overseas, staff our Thrift Shops, work from their churches and homes to create kits, blankets, quilts and more, serve at our MCC Festivals, Fairs and Sales, fold blankets and bale clothing in our warehouse… well you get the picture!

MCC volunteers come in all ages, shapes and sizes! Eleven-year-old Amaris Reimer spent part of her summer at the MCC warehouse in Abbotsford and really enjoyed her time there.

“ A highlight for me was putting together the school kits and folding blankets,” she said. “Squishing the blankets and clothes in the baler was also fun. I thought it was a really cool experience. I am totally doing that again this summer!”

In Black Creek, on Vancouver Island, a group of women called “Harmony Hearts” meets monthly to make blankets that are sent to people in need around the world. These women have met together for over 50 years and when they meet for their annual blanket-making for MCC they can put together as many as 17 blankets in one weekend!

“We serve our local congregation and other groups such as MCC by raising and donating funds, and by actual physical service such as food prep and blanket making,” says group member  Brenda Neufeld. “We take our motivation from Galatians 5:13: ‘But through love, serve one another.’"

Brenda Schmidt has volunteered at the Thrift Shop in Kelowna since 1997. She decided at the time that as a mother of two young boys she wanted an opportunity to get out, meet people and be helpful. Along with volunteering at the shop, Brenda also chairs the Kelowna Thrift Shop Committee. But she also has deeper reasons for her involvement with MCC.

“My parents-in-law were both brought to Canada in 1949 through MCC,” she explains. “I wanted to give back to MCC for bringing them but also continue helping MCC help others. My family has been so blessed. That makes me want to help someone else have an easier life.”

There are many reasons for volunteering. Some do it for the camaraderie, some do it because they enjoy the craft, many do it because they know it will make a difference in someone's life. But one thing that most of our volunteers share in common is a desire to serve God by serving humankind. “Whatsoever you have done for the least of these, you have done for me,” Jesus says. It is this desire to serve “in the Name of Christ” that is central to the ministry of MCC. We are grateful to each volunteer who gives of his or her time and talents; simply said, we wouldn't exist without you!