It’s been awhile since I’ve posted about the interesting items I’ve found at the Steinbach MCC, so I figured it’s time for an update. However, this time I also figured it’s time for another rant inspired by my visits to the MCC thrift shop.
Okay. So, there’s a lot of talk about how the MCC is “going downhill”. This has been said for a long time, but I find that as all the upset people abandon shopping at the MCC, my shopping experience within the store is actually improving. Coincidence?
People complain about the prices. Let me give you my take. I think we’re forgetting where the money goes. This past December, the Steinbach MCC Thrift Shop donated $46,000 to 16 local non-profit organizations.
But of course it’s true that the MCC raises much more $ than that. So where does it go? People complain that it’s “sent out of our community”. I feel like the implication of such a statement is that it’s padding someone’s Swiss bank account. Reality is, those dollars are funding relief and development work. You can read specific stories about where the money is going by visiting their website here.
The MCC has a history of jumping into the fray whenever there are people in need, whenever there is a major crisis. Getting people food, water, shelter. They’re also addressing the COVID-19 crisis by distributing emergency food and hygiene kits to people in vulnerable communities.
This is all in addition to our local MCC supporting Steinbach-based non-profits as well.
I won’t say it’s not a learning curve to adapt to new ways of shopping at the Steinbach MCC, but I will say that I’ve actually kind of enjoyed standing in line. I like to bring a book to read while I wait, and dress for the weather, but often I don’t get much reading done. I haven’t interacted this much with my fellow thrifters before. It’s been good! Maybe I’ll see you there this Saturday 🙂
