MCC BC announces new building project
Abbotsford, B.C.
Artist’s drawing of the new MCC Centre which will be built on Gladys Avenue. Courtesy MCC BC.
Mennonite Central Committee British Columbia (MCC BC) has purchased 8.5 acres on Gladys Avenue that will house MCC Thrift Shops, administrative offices, the Material Resource Centre, Ten Thousand Villages, a café and more.
“We are not just investing in a physical structure,” says Wayne Bremner, Executive Director of MCC BC. “We are building on a legacy of compassion, increasing our ability to support MCC’s relief, development, and peace work around the world.”
The MCC Plaza Thrift Shop in Clearbook will remain where it is whiled the MCC Furniture and More and MCC Abby East Thrift shops will move to the new building, along with the offices and Material Resource Centre on Marshall Road. By raising funds to purchase land and consolidating these two thrift shops, MCC BC looks to save more than $350,000/year in lease costs. Consolidation will also increase efficiency and reduce staffing costs. More retail space combined with a highly visible and accessible location with ample parking will increase thrift sales, supporting the work of MCC around the world.
MCC is a worldwide ministry responding to basic human needs and working for peace in more than 60 countries. Along with its thrift shops, MCC also has several programs in BC working in the area of abuse prevention, HIV/AIDS education, supporting refugees and newcomers, and more. The ultimate goal with this new building is to decrease operating costs and increase resources to support its local and global work.
The MCC BC Board members are also excited about the possibilities that will open up with a new building and to see it build on the legacy of thrift shops in BC.
“What a great experience to see the growth of thrift stores in our community over the past 40 years,” says Len Block, MCC BC board chair. “The volunteers, the support, and the service, all in the name of Christ! This is not just a building – it represents our hopes for the future of MCC and our continued faithfulness and service to God. I am humbled to be part of it.”
More than 6 million in donations and pledges have already been raised toward the $10 million needed before the anticipated groundbreaking in June 2013.
I’d much rather see our dollars go towards our own property and building, something that’s ours,” says Martha Brandt who volunteers at the MCC Abby East Thrift Shop. “Hopefully down the road the next generation will look back on our decision and say that we were forward-thinking in our actions.”
For more information and to contribute to this project, visit www.mcclegacy.com.
—MCC B.C. release
Photo: Artist’s drawing of the new MCC Centre which will be built on Gladys Avenue.
