From the unusual to the valuable

From a valuable painting sold in auction, to a pet bird, a vintage typewriter and a "boomer buggy" — each donation that comes through the doors of MCC Thrift has a story. Some are a little quirky, while others are heartwarming. All of them are reminders of the joys and surprises that thrifting can bring. We’re shining a spotlight on a few of the most memorable items and the unique journeys they've taken since arriving at our shops.

One memorable donation arrived at MCC Thrift in St. Catharines, Ontario, in May 2023 — a painting signed “W. Homer.” While the donor’s identity remains unknown, the signature on the painting sparked intrigue, with some speculating it could be the work of Winslow Homer, a renowned 19th-century American landscape painter.

Whether authentic or not, the painting became the centerpiece of a spirited MCC silent auction, selling for CAD $18,900. All proceeds from Ontario shops, including silent auctions, are part of the province’s regular contributions to MCC and go where funds are needed most. The anonymous winning bidder, drawn by both the artwork’s charm and MCC’s mission, remarked, “The more we can do to reduce disparity in this world, the better.” 

Another particularly quirky donation came from a donor who, amid a sudden move, needed help finding a new home for their pet cockatoo. While a donation like this wouldn’t be accepted today, when this bird was dropped off, the Elmira MCC Thrift & Gift shop had a unique connection to a local bird sanctuary. Thanks to this partnership, the cockatoo was safely rehomed and was able to start a new chapter in its life. 

At the Kildonan MCC Thrift shop in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Corah Enns discovered a seafoam-green 1960s Eaton’s Viking typewriter. She stumbled upon it in 2018, and it was priced at an unbelievable $40 — a deal compared to similar models valued between $100-300 on Kijiji or eBay. This nearly pristine piece seemed untouched by time — an exciting and rare find for a typewriter collector like Enns. 

In October 2024, she visited the same thrift shop and found “. . . the grail of all typewriters, the Hermes 3000. In outstanding, ready-to-use condition, I was finally the owner of this highly coveted, Swiss-made typewriter.” Enns said. She couldn’t believe her luck! “The curves, the mint green keys and the margin set feature are so unique. It truly is a joy to type on”. These typewriters can be found for anywhere between $1,000-$1,700 on shops like Etsy. Corah found hers for $70! 

Have you heard of a “boomer buggy”? In Canada, this term affectionately refers to mobility scooters used by older adults — particularly baby boomers, who inspired the nickname. In 2023, the MCC Thrift shop in Winkler, Manitoba, received a donation of a covered red mobility scooter. Currently retailing for $7,999, a lucky recipient snapped this cool ride up for only $3,000.

Donation finds like these are some of the best parts about the MCC Thrift world. Do you have any unique items that you’re looking to part ways with? The instrument you haven’t played in years? Imagine the joy it could bring to an aspiring musician browsing one of our shops. Have some baskets laying around that you aren't using? Help them find a second life.

With spring cleaning around the corner, why not make MCC Thrift part of your cleanse? And when you visit, take a moment to browse — you never know what treasures you’ll find!