The Carman Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Thrift Shop marked 50 years of service to the community on Wednesday, Oct. 8, celebrating a legacy rooted in faith, volunteerism, and compassion.
The Carman store first opened its doors on Jan. 14, 1975, following the example of a similar MCC Self-Help store in Altona. Since then, the MCC Thrift network has grown to include 16 locations across Manitoba. The Carman shop has moved several times over the decades before settling in its current location in 2004.
MCC’s mission is to generate resources for both the organization and the local community, bring awareness to MCC programs, provide service opportunities in the name of Christ, offer a place to donate items for reuse, and make affordable goods available to those in need.
Beyond its formal mission, the Carman MCC fosters an atmosphere of trust, respect, and friendship among its volunteers and staff. Board treasurer Linda Drewlo said the store’s first priority is to support local initiatives such as the Boyne Campus Charity and Carman Wellness Connections.
“Secondary beneficiaries are other Manitoba MCC stores, and thirdly, international partners such as families in Gaza, refugees in Cairo, and students in Bangladesh,” Drewlo said. “MCC also responds to disasters—whether hurricanes, earthquakes or other crises—wherever help is needed.”
MCC stores also work with Indigenous communities to promote reconciliation and mutual understanding, and they partner with Hutterite colonies across the province to extend aid where it is most needed.
One of the shop’s longest-serving volunteers, Stella Wiebe, began working with MCC at its inception in 1975. Then 34 years old, Wiebe has been part of every move and milestone since. She calls her decades of service a privilege, speaking fondly of the friendships and sense of purpose she has found through volunteering.
“I’ve received so much more than I’ve given,” she said, her smile reflecting five decades of dedication.
Hundreds of volunteers have contributed to the Carman MCC over the years, each helping to shape its role as a cornerstone of community life. At the anniversary celebration, several shared reflections on their experiences.
Colin Wiebe, who greets donors at the back door, said he values “the opportunity to completely stock a home on a very low budget, to keep items out of the landfill, to meet interesting people and to see a different perspective every morning.”
Head clerk Elizabeth Lemky highlighted the camaraderie among staff and volunteers and the satisfaction of helping those in need. “It’s about friendship and knowing the money goes right back into our community,” she said.
Volunteers such as Ann Krahn, Eldon Dueck, Cliff McKercher, and Hilda Harness all emphasized the positive impact the store has on customers and volunteers alike.
Customers Valerie Nordquist and Linda Pritchard said they enjoy shopping at the store and adding their own handmade items for resale — what they call “the circle of helping.”
“This isn’t just a store,” added customer Daniel Heather. “It’s a community coming together.”
President Joanne Termeer, who has volunteered with the Carman MCC Thrift Shop for eight years and served as president for the past two, described it as “a happy place of Christian interaction.”“The social and economic boost to Carman can’t be measured,” she said. “It’s not just the things people buy — it’s the smiles they leave behind and bring back when they return.”
Termeer encouraged younger residents to get involved and highlighted the shop’s ongoing community partnerships, such as the spring plant sale with the Garden Club and the monthly donation jar that supports local organizations.
As the store looks to the future, its staff and volunteers expressed deep gratitude to the community.
“It takes a village,” Termeer said. “Fifty years of charity, friendship, and faith — and we’re just getting started.”
