Thrift Shop team breaks fundraising record for MCC

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This article was published 16/12/2023 (632 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A lot has happened since Lea Pawloski started her new job as chief operating officer of the Kildonan MCC Thrift Shop last May.

There was the flood on her third day at work, brought on by a rainstorm. Then she had to make the insurance claim and hire workers to fix the roof.

That initial chaos resulted in a silver lining; the necessary increase in communications with staff accelerated the getting-to-know-you process for anyone starting a new job.

“It was a blessing,” Pawloski said. “We can see out the window now. It forced us to think about the volunteers and how they sort the product; we had to become quick and more efficient.”

Despite those early rough patches, she has a lot to appreciate.

“It’s my dream job,” she said. “It encompasses so many different aspects. As a people person, I appreciate all the volunteers and staff, and interactions with customers. I get to be creative with activities and I have the sales and business management side. I love it.”

Now, there’s one more reason to celebrate at an event coming up on Wednesday, Dec. 20, when staff and volunteers will present a $1 million cheque to Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba’s board.

“This is the largest donation we have made in our history, and we wanted to let the public know what their donations do,” Pawloski said.

“It’s an incredible feeling. My predecessor, Robin Searle, set this up beautifully. This is her celebration also. She paved the way for me. I came in and it was a full team effort. I’m so proud of my staff and volunteers. MCC has people all over the world. They are making a difference and we are so happy to be able to give back.”

MCC Manitoba executive director Darryl Loewen was thrilled with the donation.

“It’s a record-breaking donation from an MCC Thrift Shop in Manitoba. The funds will make a huge difference for participants in our work around the world, for people whose basic human needs might otherwise go unmet,” he said.

“And it carries symbolic importance. These are the proceeds of thousands of volunteer and staff hours. They represent the deep, enduring compassion of folks who know that their joy and well-being are tied up with our global neighbours’. They symbolize a faith that love is stronger than hate, fear or apathy in our world.”

MCC works in 45 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as in Canada and the U.S., partnering with local organizations and helping people in need.

In the last 50 years, the proceeds of more than $250 million from MCC Thrift Shops have gone towards supporting MCC relief, development and peace projects in local communities and around the world.

Karin Brewer has been a volunteer with the thrift shop since 2015, and is now board chair.

“We have a wonderful, dedicated team,” said Brewer, noting that her mother, too, has been actively giving her time for many years. “We are grateful to staff and volunteers to be able to do this, supporting MCC’s work locally and around the world.

“It feels great. There are so many wonderful people. You become like a family; you feel productive. We can’t always go overseas, but we can do the work here. A lot of the volunteers are retired. It’s something to do. You feel like you’ve got worthwhile work. You’re making a contribution, there’s camaraderie: it’s a fun place. As a volunteer and board chair I couldn’t be more proud.”

The number of donations to the shop has increased over last year with frequent donation drop-offs, and considerably more product to sort and sell.

“We are not-for-profit, so our money doesn’t stay in our pockets,” said Pawloski. “We have more to give. We have a budget we share in the community. With our community donations, we regularly help out the homeless by providing jackets, boots or clothing. This year we gave to the Christmas Cheer Board, Harvest Manitoba, Genesis School of Dance, Special Olympics, Camp Arnes, Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal, Elmwood Community Resource Centre, Dignity House, Community 204, Siloam Mission and HEROS, to name a few. We really do try to help out the community when we can. We want to help out other charities, but our main goal is to give to MCC.”

With 190 giving their time at the store, the community spirit is strong.

“I have a volunteer co-ordinator who is incredible. We work really well together,” said Pawloski, adding that many of the volunteers are from around the world, including Brazil, Iran, Syria and Ukraine.

“It is such an amazing place. I am learning all the time. They all bring something unique to the table. If you’re looking to do something, come volunteer here. It’s not just a retail store: it’s a community.”

The store features an eclectic inventory of home décor, shoes, clothing, an extensive book collection and much more. Treasure hunters can visit lovetothrift.ca to find items they won’t see in the store.

Kildonan MCC Thrift Shop at 445 Chalmers Ave. is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find it on Facebook and Instagram.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca