December 2021

As an ear to the community, we hear that people have lots of questions about COVID and vaccines and we continue to help find and share information on these topics.

A round table discussion with local doctors on the status of COVID in East Elgin on the radio is now available for listening on-demand as a podcast on our website.

Our Executive Director, Eddy Rempel, hosted this panel, presenting questions about COVID-19 and vaccines to a panel of 3 local physicians:

1. Dr. Jillian Toogood, family physician at East Elgin Family Health Team who often provides care in the area of women’s health;

2. Dr. Douglas MacPherson, an infectious disease specialist at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital who has participated in various projects with the World Health Organization; and

3. Dr. Michael Toth, former head of the Ontario Medical Association, and also a practicing physician in Aylmer for 35 years.

This discussion aired several times earlier this month on De Brigj. The podcast starts with a Low German summary, and the English discussion starts at the 6:15 mark.

If you missed it, listen on-demand on our website: 21-12-06 Dit & Daut – Mennonite Community Services of Southern Ontario (mcson.org)

Thank you so much to everyone who donated or helped share the word about our Matching Campaign! Your generosity is so appreciated!

Your donations given during the Matching Campaign will make a huge impact and your generosity surpassed our goal! Over $16,000 came in!

In total with the gifts of the anonymous two local businesses committed to matching up to $15,000 each, over $46,000 was raised for the work of MCS in our community.

Thank you to the individuals, families, and businesses for blessing the work of supporting and integrating newcomers in our community. God bless you!

#AylmerON#MennoniteCommunityServices#GivingSeason#MakeADifference

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We look forward to receiving your donations Saturday, December 18, from 10 am – 4 pm. This will be our last donations receiving day of 2021 at the Aylmer Thrift Store, 300 Talbot St. W, Aylmer, ON.

If you have a large load, or large items, such as furniture, please give us a call ahead of time (519-765-1356), and please arrive by 3:45pm to allow time for unloading.

A very big thank you to all for your cooperation and your patience in following our drop-off guidelines (available on our website, www.mcson.org) and waiting your turn to make your drop-off. Thank you for continuing to keep our donations receiving a safe experience for all!

Stay tuned for an announcement at the end of the month about our new January 2022 donations receiving hours!

Put on your jingle bells and hustle your sleigh on over to our last two donations receiving days of the year!

We look forward to receiving your donations Saturday, December 11, and Saturday, December 18, from 10 am – 4 pm.

A very big thank you to all for your cooperation and your patience in following our drop-off guidelines (available on our website, www.mcson.org) and waiting your turn to make your drop-off. Thank you for continuing to keep our donations receiving a safe experience for all!

Stay tuned for an announcement at the end of the month about our new January donations receiving hours!

Giving Tuesday kicks off the MCS Matching Campaign!

All donations made to MCS from Tuesday, November 30 – Tuesday, December 14, will be matched by TWO very generous local businesses, up to $15,000 each! This means that your gift is tripled! If you give $25, MCS will receive $75, if you give $100, MCS will receive $300, or if you give $500, MCS will receive $1,500! MCS has continued to adapt and provide services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

We’ve helped over 2,000 people in our last fiscal year, including many families with documentation and accessing health care. We supported people through job losses and job searches. Dozens of women, children, and babies received support in developing English language and life skills, nutrition, and pre- and postnatal care, all the more needed during pandemic restrictions.

In addition, radio listeners felt less alone when they heard inspiring music and uplifting programs through Radio De Brigj CHPD 105.9FM. And, we reached out to support seniors during times of isolation. These essential services depend on your support.

Because of the pandemic, we have not been able to hold our usual fundraising events: the Annual Banquet in the spring, the Annual Auction and Food Fest that normally happens in June, and our Thrift Store was closed for long periods of time. This has had a significant negative impact on our funds. We invite you to support us and give the gift of helping others this Christmas!

You can donate online, at www.mcson.org, in-person at the Aylmer Resource Centre, 16 Talbot St. E in Aylmer, by mail to 16 Talbot St. E, Aylmer, ON N5H 1H4. Donations over $10 are tax receiptable. We invite you to call us at 519-765-3020 if you have questions.

To help these essential programs continue to be provided in our community and to have your gift matched before December 14, we invite you to visit the Donate page on our website!