Steinbach MCC Thrift Store Gives Again

The MCC Thrift Store in Steinbach is known as a place to go for exceptionally good deals.  It is a central location where people have the opportunity to share what they have and for others to acquire what they need.  It has been said that “…there is no person so poor they have nothing to share and there is no person so rich who has nothing to receive…” and the MCC Thrift Store is well positioned to be able to facilitate the giving and receiving in either direction.

Friday morning was just such an occasion.  Twelve organizations that work with a broad scope of vulnerable people were the recipients of some of the resources that have been collected over the course of this year now coming to a close.  Gordon Kornelson, board chair of Steinbach’s MCC Thrift Store had the delightful task of being much more than Santa Claus, handing out a total $50,000 to these twelve organization.

Youth for Christ--Steinbach                     Jim Harms

Youth for Christ--Landmark                     Steve Andres

South east Helping Hands                       Hank Klassen

Soup's On                                                 Joy Neufeld
Today House                                            Simone Penner

Eastman Crisis Centre                             Tracy Rigby

Envision Foundation                               Susan Carr

El Dad Ranch                                           Trevor Utech

Eden Foundation                                     Earl Reimer

Haven Group                                           David Driedger

Steinbach Community Outreach           Irene Kroeker

Eastman Immigration Service                Linda Peters

A common theme throughout all twelve organizations was firstly a deep gratitude to Steinbach MCC Thrift Store and the volunteer staff that work there.  Secondly, all of the receiving organizations are present and active within and around the community of Steinbach, each working with vulnerable populations that are already present in the community.  Each of the organizations have their own commitment to alleviate a particular component of what constitutes that vulnerability.  The thoughtful deliberation of the Thrift Store board of directors, identified specific areas of need and have recognized the receiving organizations as avenues by which particular needs can be met.

These gifts to the twelve local charities is possible as a result of the generosity of the community not only by the donations of goods brought to the store but also by the fact that all of the labour associated with managing the Thrift store, comes from volunteers who faithfully dedicate their time on a regular basis.  In 2013 the collective effort has generated total sales of $1.3 million.  From that, operating costs for the store are taken and all the rest goes for the benefit of others, of which these twelve organizations received a part.

Resources from Eden’s 2013 Lecture Series

The Eden Health Care Services Lecture Series took place in October of 2013 and there has been an interest in the material that Chris Summerville and Tim Wall presented during those lectures.  We have been given permission to post the material.  We hope that you find it as useful and educational as those who attend the event itself.

Tim Wall

Chris Summerville

Christmas Greetings from Eden

“The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” These words of Jesus summarized his life here on earth; both in terms of how it started and throughout his ministry. One of the compelling parts of the Christmas story is the actions of the innkeeper who offered shelter and warmth to Mary and Joseph. His was a simple but meaningful gesture.
Safe and warm shelter is fundamental to all of us. This basic fact has compelled the Eden organization to become involved in building and supporting safe, affordable housing for some of the most marginalized individuals and families in our communities; those who struggle with mental illness, challenging relationships, limited incomes or significant employment barriers. Within the context of affordable and stable housing, lives can be rebuilt and individuals can be brought back into community.
As we journey through the Christmas season, let us remember the gift of shelter and hospitality. Your gift to the Eden Foundation will help ensure that those of us living with mental health concerns will have access to safe, affordable housing and the supports necessary to thrive. Join us in becoming that welcoming and engaging community that ensures no one is forgotten.

Peace and Joy.

James Friesen
CEO, Eden Health Care Services 

Please feel free to use this form to donate, or click here to donate now.

Celebrating the Season of Giving

Eden Housing and Support Services is committed to assisting families and individuals achieve optimal quality of life within the community of their choice.” This statement of mission is part of Eden’s holistic approach to providing full mental health services across the spectrum from acute care, to community mental health programs, employment and counselling services.

In 2014, it is our hope to continue to increase the number of places available for people to live with the support services necessary for the next step in their recovery journey. For every dollar you give, other funding agencies with which we have relationships, provide multiple times more in matching contribu- tions. In our most recent project called Concordia Village IV, we partnered with the provincial government and our $40,000 initial investment is building a $12 Million apartment complex. The Eden organization is being looked to, to provide even more housing for vulnerable populations, of which those dealing with issues of mental health are a part.
Thank you for your commitment to the work of Eden Health Care Services. We hope you will consider a gift to influence the lives of the people we serve in the year ahead. 

Yours Truly,

Earl D. Reimer
Director of Development, Eden Foundation