2023/2024 Annual Impact Report - British Columbia
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Thank you from MCC British Columbia's executive director
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of the MCC Centre in Abbotsford, a building that is home to Thrift, Ten Thousand Villages, Common Place Café, Material Resources, our head office and programs that meet needs here in BC.
The theme for the fundraising campaign back then was Building on a Legacy of Compassion. This was our way to recognize that thousands of people had contributed to MCC over the decades and that we wanted to propel that mission of compassion forward - for decades to come.
Thanks to the support of so many people, the MCC Centre has helped multiply the impact of MCC here at home and around the world - growing every year. We are delighted to have over 400 volunteers serve at the MCC Centre and over 1,000 visitors every day who engage with some part of the ministry of MCC. This is in addition to the 3,000 volunteers and 3,500 donors across BC who support the global ministry of MCC.
I am reminded of the words of the apostle Paul as he wrote from prison in Rome to the emerging church in Colossians, encouraging them to “cloth yourselves in compassion” as an expression of God’s love. The stories and statistics in this report are just a few of the ways your support of MCC is making a difference in the lives of vulnerable people.
Thanks for your part in the MCC story.
In Christ,
Wayne Bremner
Executive Director
MCC British Columbia
Highlights from MCC British Columbia
Ukrainian resettlement in BC
“You don’t know what it really means to trust God until something like this happens.”
— Olena, helped by MCC BC's Ukrainian Resettlement Program
Photo: Olena is one of the Ukrainians who received support from MCC BC. She and her family are rebuilding their lives in Abbotsford, BC. (MCC Photo/Monet Lamphere-Ma)
Your generosity brought safety and stability to 176 individuals through our Ukrainian Resettlement program in BC. Arriving with few possessions, they faced challenges such as transportation, learning a new language, and accessing services. With support from MCC BC, local churches, and partners, these families gained hope as they were connectd to resources and community connections.
We celebrated the program’s completion in March 2024. As families gathered, it was evident that your kindness has made a hopeful and lasting impact on their lives. Thank you!
Refugee sponsorship
“I know there is a group of people who are willing to support me every step of the way — to make me feel valued, safe and welcome.”
— Maleka Rasikh, recent refugee from Afghanistan
Photo: The Rasikh family, fleeing danger in Afghanistan, received support from volunteers at the Gathering Church and MCC BC’s refugee sponsorship expertise. (Photo courtesy of the Rasikh family)
Ending abuse and healing relationships
Your generosity is uplifting and connecting women across communities.
"I always wanted to come to group. The outside world doesn’t understand our stories, but this group does — no one can
understand until [abuse] happens to them. I believe God loves this group. I’m very thankful!"
— Joanna,* End Abuse participant
*The participant's name has been changed due to the sensitive nature of this program.
Photo: Our first “Cause and Connection” networking event at MCC Centre in Abbotsford in February 2024. (MCC Photo/Monet Lamphere-Ma)
At a networking evening in February 2024, Laurie shared her story with 45 women who had gathered to learn about supporting women affected by intimate partner violence. Years ago, after experiencing abuse in her marriage, Laurie bravely reached out to the MCC BC End Abuse women’s support group.
Finding healing alongside others to be powerful and life-changing, she was inspired to become a facilitator herself. A new End Abuse support group will launch in Prince George to reach more women affected by intimate partner violence. Your generosity is helping End Abuse expand and walk alongside more women like Laurie.
BC Rent Bank
Your gifts are preventing homelessness for people like Billy.
“I knew I was going to get evicted and have nowhere to go... this loan is impactful! It helped me through a tough time and saved my job.”
- Billy Joe Gladue, helped by MCC BC's Fraser Valley Rent Bank
Photo: Billy Joe Gladue pictured at MCC Centre in Abbotsford (MCC Photo/Monet Lamphere-Ma)
Billy Joe Gladue has faced a series of challenges over six years,
including losing his car, caring for his daughter after drug
overdoses and coping with a leg injury that left him unable to
work. A fire in 2020 further devastated their lives. Tragically, his
daughter passed away in 2022.
A year and a half later, these challenges continue to weigh heavily on Billy. Despite the difficulties, he has shown remarkable resilience. He has been studying for a certificate to return to work. Unexpectedly, his exam was delayed by a month, preventing him from starting a new job to cover his rent. He turned to our Fraser Valley Rent Bank for crucial assistance and received a one-month rent loan just in time to avoid eviction.
Your generosity has made a significant impact on Billy’s life, providing him with much-needed stability at a difficult time. Thank you for helping people like Billy to stay housed.
Community Barbecues
Because of your generosity, people like Carey can access a weekly hot meal and a shower.
“This meal brings people together and helps people come out of the situation they’re in. I know where to go when I need help.”
— Carey Reddicopp, community member at MCC BC's community barbecues
Photo: Carey Reddicopp at the weekly community barbecue at MCC Centre in Abbotsford. (MCC Photo/Monet Lamphere-Ma)
Circle of Friends
Your support provides community for individuals as they transition out of homelessness.
Photo: Each month, small groups called “circles” gather for a larger group activity. (MCC Photo/Monet Lamphere-Ma)
Circle of Friends includes volunteers who support individuals and families transitioning from homelessness and shelters back into the community.
Since Mia* didn’t have friends or family nearby, celebrating her first year of sobriety with her group held special significance.
The group biked around Fish Trap Creek, then to Dairy Queen for ice cream. Along the way, Mia showed the group where she used to camp and talked about the struggles of living on the streets —dealing with trauma and addiction. She also shared that being in nature and meeting supportive friends through this program has been deeply meaningful as she heals.
Thank you for helping Mia and others find community this year, so they are not alone as they strive to transition out of homelessness.
*The participant’s name has been changed for their privacy.
New Foundations
Your gifts are helping newcomers build new skills in Victoria.
“New Foundations helped me not only with new savings techniques but also to overcome fears, in addition to having a supportive community.”
— Liz, newcomer supported by MCC BC's New Foundations program
Photo: Lizeth “Liz” Vega, her husband Renzo, and their two children (now ages 6 and 7) just a few days after they arrived in BC. (Photo courtesy of Lizeth Vega)
In 2022, Liz and her husband Renzo moved to Canada with their two young children due to economic and political challenges in Peru.
Liz faced multiple obstacles including language barriers and the need to recertify her qualifications. She found support through MCC BC’s New Foundations program in Victoria. Initially, she joined the program for the financial literacy workshops, but she also learned new life skills such as wellness practices and skills for the Canadian job market. Grateful for her growth in the program, Liz returned as an intern to give back to other newcomer families.
Thanks to your caring support, Liz’s family and other newcomer families are acquiring essential skills so they can thrive in their new communities.
We added a new location in greater Victoria this year:
- In Spring 2024, New Foundations added a second location in the West Shore region.
- The first location continues to serve newcomers in downtown Victoria.
Community Connections
Together, we are building safer communities in Prince George.
“The collaboration with Westwood has been instrumental in building communities of peace, or ‘shalom,’ within the apartments.”
— Kojo Kyei, MCC BC staff in Prince George
Photo: MCC BC staff and volunteers from Westwood Church and the apartments team up to organize a BBQ for residents at Park Village Apartments. (MCC photo / Kojo Kyei)
In Prince George, Westwood Church and MCC BC are achieving a lasting impact together. The church has been a key partner in revitalizing communities in the Prince George apartments. Previously marked by economic and social challenges, these neighbourhoods have undergone a remarkable transformation.
Together, the church and MCC are empowering community residents to lead food programs, ESL classes, a homework club, summer day camps and more.
These neighbourhoods used to require a significant police presence. As Westwood and MCC increased community engagement, local police noted a reduced number of calls — they are growing into peaceful areas.
Your thoughtful generosity is inspiring intentional change, drawing neighbourhoods together toward a brighter future through church and community partnerships.
New programs coming to northern BC:
- Serving those affected by intimate partner violence, we are expanding our End Abuse program to Prince George.
- Serving those on the brink of homelessness, we are starting the Central and Northern BC Rent Bank based in Prince George.
Indigenous Neighbours
1,264 individuals engaged with MCC BC in learning from Indigenous peoples.
In July 2023, the “Memories of Migration” tour witnessed a
significant event at Semá:th First Nation’s longhouse on Sumas Mountain. An apology was made for actions by Mennonite ancestors who had settled on Stó:lō land, marking an important step towards healing. Chief Dalton Silver accepted the apology as a “step in the right direction.” This event highlights the importance of learning and reconciling relationships in our communities, and reminds us of the work still ahead.
(Photo courtesy of John Longhurst)
MCC Thrift in BC
1,189 thrift volunteers in BC supporting MCC’s work around the world.
A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated volunteers across all our local ministries. We are grateful for the sharing of your talents and time to make the work of MCC possible.
“When I started volunteering at MCC Thrift, it was a way I
could tithe my time...to honour the Lord in a different way.”
— Karen Aughtry, volunteer cashier at MCC Centre in Abbotsford
(MCC Photo / Monet Lamphere-Ma)
Financial highlights
Thank you for continuing the work of MCC
MCC’s work gathers many people and our humble gifts to share with those in need locally and globally. The combined efforts of our nine community Thrift Shops continue to provide about 14% of our revenue in British Columbia.
We teamed up again with Run For Water and the community to raise awareness and support for freshwater wells in Ethiopian villages. Over
$200,000 was raised in this fiscal year to bring clean water to these rural communities.
Our September 2023 Festival for World Relief was a success, with over $1 million providing food supplies for families who need it the most.
To our donors — whether you are giving as an individual, church group, or business — your generous gifts continue to power life-changing
ministries of relief, development and peace.
Thank you!
Expenses
| $17,011,142 Total expenses | $ 10,107,643 International Program | $3,000,148 Local Program |
| $801,997 Ten Thousand Villages/ Common Place Cafe | $516,029 International Disasters | $922,078 Fundraising & Communications |
| $247,460 Material Resources | $1,415,787 Finance & Administration | $210,552 Local Disasters |
Revenue
| $24,405,578 Total revenue | $12,735,521 Contributions | $3,410,315 Thrift Stores (Net) |
| $516,029 Contributions (Disasters) | $733,873 Ten Thousand Villages/ Common Place Cafe | $2,866,136 Local Program |
| $1,186,933 Relief Festivals (Gross) | $170,867 Material Resources | $2,785,904 Other |
Note: In addition to the amounts shown in the visual above, MCC BC also received a trust distribution from our Legacy Donor of $57 million in revenue generating properties and cash that will be managed by HyLand Properties, similar to an endowment.
Explore more annual reports
2023/2024 Annual Report for MCC in the U.S.
2023/2024 Annual Impact Report - Eastern Canada
2023/2024 Annual Impact Report - Ontario
2023/2024 Annual Impact Report - British Columbia
2023/2024 Annual Impact Report - Canada and International
2023/2024 Annual Impact Report - Manitoba
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