The first Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) thrift store opened in March 1972 in Altona, Man. In 2022, the thrift stores are celebrating the 50th anniversary of this first store in Canada. Celebrations are taking place at various times in different locations.
There are 47 thrift stores in Canada, and 39 stores in United States. A virtual event is planned in November for all the thrift stores in both countries.
A celebration took place in the Niagara area on July 12, including the thrift stores in St. Catharines, Welland and Port Colborne. About 180 volunteers and managers turned out for an evening of thanksgiving for the work these volunteers do, and for the money the stores have sent to MCC.
The evening included a display of unusual items found in these local stores, and the managers gave a glimpse into their stores.
Kim Lester, MCC’s associate executive director, brought greetings and thanks from the head office. Attendees enjoyed door prizes and refreshments throughout the evening.
For people looking for ideas of eco-friendly practices, MCC Thrift has started a “Thrifty 50 Challenge.” The weekly sustainability challenge, which started in March, will be sent out to those that sign up, for 50 weeks.
To learn more, or to enter, visit thrift.mcc.org/50/challenge.
Many volunteers gathered in St. Catharines, Ont., on July 12, to celebrate 50 years of thrift. (Christian Benefit Store archives photo)
Fiftieth anniversary centrepieces adorned tables at a celebration of the beginning of thrift stores in the Niagara area, in St. Catharines, on July 12. (Christian Benefit Store archives photo)
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