Threads – Driving Change One Golf Club at a Time

Episode transcript:

Kyle Rudge (00:02):

It begins with a single thread woven through other thread, and then another, and another until we have a single piece of fabric. That fabric is stretched, cut and stitched together with another, just like it. This process is repeated over and over and over until we have a beautiful tapestry that all began with a single thread. Welcome to MCC Threads, where we look closely at how our stories in Manitoba weave together with the stories of MCC and its partners around the world.

So what is it now? Third, fourth, spring in Manitoba. I don't know, I've lost track, but just the other day I spotted the first sign of new green buds on some of the trees near my house. It's the first sign of golf season being upon us. <Laugh>. Okay, that was a bit of a stretch, but with spring does come golf.

Ron Loeppky (01:12):

My name is Ron Loeppky. We live in Winnipeg. I'm involved with MCC at the Sargent MCC Thrift store.

Kyle Rudge (01:20):

Meet Ron. He and his wife Connie had this wild idea about 20 years ago, and it's still going strong, still raising money for Mennonite Central Committee. But first, a bit of history of who Ron and his wife are and their deep rooted connection to MCC.

Ron Loeppky (01:34):

When we completed our educational journey, initially at the university, we were looking at a service opportunity. We were a young married couple at the time, and we knew that as we shaped our life, we wanted to spend some time in service. We, of course, knew all about MCC from our, our home church. So we explored the options and were excited [at] a possibility of going to Botswana for a three year teaching assignment.

Kyle Rudge (02:04):

So why so much trust in MCC? Where did that all come from?

Ron Loeppky (02:08):

We had a very high level of confidence in MCC in large measure because we, we were familiar with MCC growing up. People went on MCC assignments. They came back, they reported, they talked about their experiences. They talked about the expanding of their worldview. They talked about many different opportunities that a service assignment provided. And so as we began to shape our life together, Connie and I and our young family, we decided that that was the kind of experience that we wanted. And we knew a good number of people that were involved in administration at MCC and felt very confident with them.

Kyle Rudge (02:55):

So what got Ron and Connie involved in thrift in the first place?

Ron Loeppky (02:59):

When I retired in 2004, what happened is that you look for opportunities to be involved meaningfully. Our kids were independent. We had grandchildren and we said we'd like to make a contribution. And at some point, Connie got involved in the thrift store, the Sargent Avenue thrift store, and started working there regularly. And so that just kind of... I was doing other things at the time, andso I didn't get involved as a regular volunteer, but I would be available for occasional things that came up.

Kyle Rudge (03:39):

Now, one of those occasional things that did just suddenly come up was a unique problem that the thrift store was having, and Ron and Connie had an idea to fix it.

Ron Loeppky (03:52):

Well, Connie came back from the thrift store at some point and said, we've got all these golf clubs that we can't sell at the thrift store, because the Sargent neighbourhood has many people, and the people that shop there you know, they tend not to be golfers. Golf is an expensive sport. It's one, you know, that you take on if you're able, if you have the time, if you have the resources and so on. And the Sargent thrift store didn't seem like a good place to be selling golf clubs. And so there was some conversation about, well, what do we do with these golf clubs? I mean, they're metal. Maybe we just put them in metal recycling. And when Connie came home to report that there was some conversation about throwing golf clubs in metal recyclingI was a bit aghast and I said, we really need to do something with those golf clubs. We can't let them be put into the metal recycling. So that, that's what started it.

Kyle Rudge (05:05):

And it's really an interesting idea, right? You have all these golf clubs that are being donated to a thrift shop, but it's in an area where golf isn't exactly the most popular sport, and there's not a lot of desire for those golf clubs. So take them, withhold them, and then hold a massive golf club sale, all in support of MCC.

Ron Loeppky (05:27):

The first year we tried this, we raised $500, and we thought, well, you know, that's not bad. $500 is better than a kick in the teeth. And so we said, well, let's do it again. The next year we raised $1,500, and then we were at $2,500. And the most recently, we've been in the neighbourhood of $4,000, $4,500 that we raise annually. So that's where we're at. We do not have a precise number. We were thinking that we've raised somewhere approaching $20,000 in total over the 10 years.

Kyle Rudge (06:03):

All because of one creative idea to solve a rather unique problem. But it wasn't just them along the way. There were other groups that started to find their way in to help and support.

Ron Loeppky (06:19):

A couple of years ago, we had someone from the Kildonan Golf Club. They said We'd get all these golf clubs that are found on the golf course, and we don't know what to do with them. Is there any chance that you would be able to sell them? So we had 120 individual golf clubs. And so we put them out on a table and we sell them for $5 each. I mean, these are nice pitching wedges and putters and, and, and a variety of other clubs. So we sell individual clubs. We also sell lots of sets. And then, and then what happens is at the end of the weekend, we invariably find out that we haven't sold everything. And so we made an arrangement with the Frontier School Division. So the Frontier School Division has 35 or 40 schools all across the north and various remote areas and they checked with their phys ed people and said, gee, we could use golf clubs as part of our phys ed program. So they've been taking our extra clubs at the end... We give them a bit of a bargain on the price. And so that's where the additional clubs go outside of the ones that are not usable, and there's always some that, you know, that are not usable, they're rusty, they're old, they have a broken something, a shaft or something. And those we put into metal recycling. But all the rest of it gets used.

Kyle Rudge (07:48):

Now, setting Ron's wonderful 10 year journey of selling golf clubs from a thrift shop, all in support of MCC Manitoba. I would be remiss without, of course, mentioning the MCC Manitoba's Annual Golf Tournament.

Danielle Froese (08:03):

My name is Danielle Froese. I am the co-owner of Friends Funeral Service based out of Winnipeg.

Kyle Rudge (08:08):

For many years, Friends Funeral Services have been sponsors of the MCC Manitoba Golf Tournament.

Danielle Froese (08:13):

We are what they call whole sponsors. The sponsorship for us, I guess, is again, just a way to continue supporting a cause that has meant a lot to our family over the years.

Kyle Rudge (08:23):

And Danielle wasn't kidding that MCC has meant a lot to her family over the years. I dug a little deeper and asked about that historical connection. I wasn't disappointed.

Danielle Froese (08:34):

Actually, Harold, Jotham's dad, and my dad both served for MCC overseas in Africa. [M]y parents were there for three years in Nigeria. AndJotham's Dad Was With MCC A Little Bit Longer. Not Sure The Exact Timeline. They Were Kind Of Following In My Grandpa's <Laugh> Footsteps. My Grandpa J. M. Klassen. He started with MCC in 1958. He was the director of programs in South Korea, and eventually he became the executive director of MCC Canada.

Kyle Rudge (09:10):

So how does one go from growing up in an MCC home to being in the funeral business?

Danielle Froese (09:16):

It was actually kind of a family joke that I would never get into the family business. And you know, as you get older, you kind of switch your perspective on careers. And I needed a part-time job. So I started working here part-time just to pay some bills. And then once I started here, I kind of realized that it was a very rewarding profession, just being able to help families through one of the toughest times in their life and trying to make that a little bit easier and being able to serve those families in the best way we can.

Kyle Rudge (09:55):

And that MCC Manitoba Golf Tournament is in its 22nd year, and the date for this year's is coming up quick. It's July 9th.

Danielle Froese (10:03):

You know, it's great to be able to support a cause like MCC and, and be able to have fun while doing it. You know, the classic Mennonite meal at the end of the day is always a <laugh> a bonus too with how they put it on. And yeah, it's just really well done. We've done a few other golf tournaments and MCC is always the favourite to go to. They just... Do it well.

Kyle Rudge (10:27):

And Danielle and the other co-owner of Friends Funeral Service, Jotham, will definitely live up to the hype. In fact, they participate every year and they get paired up with another two random duo. But this being a golf tournament, I had to ask Danielle, how has she done over the years?

Danielle Froese (10:45):

I won the longest drive for women's last year. You know, I couldn't even remember how, how long it was. It wasn't, it wasn't anything crazy. There aren't as many women as men golfing, so I think that gives me a little bit of advantage there. <Laugh>. So yeah, I got some golf balls, I think a gift certificate to Brian Reimer Audio. Yeah, it was neat. It was nice to get that. And they always have super fun, like little on-course tournaments too. Like a chipping contest. Putting contest. Those are always super fun to participate in.

Kyle Rudge (11:18):

One more introduction for you. This man's name is Ben Funk. The audio's a little off. It was a tough phone call, but I think it's worth mentioning.

Ben Funk (11:26):

My name is Ben D. Funk. I've been with the MCC Golf Tournament from the beginning.

Kyle Rudge (11:32):

I gave Ben a quick call because one, he is one of the founders of the MCC Manitoba Golf Tournament, but two, because he is one of the founders, I figured he's gotta have some great story or record of what happened over the years.

Ben Funk (11:45):

The records that I remember the most is how much money we have raised over the years.

Kyle Rudge (11:54):

The thing that he remembers most is the amount of money that we have raised over the years. In fact, over the last three years, just three years of the MCC Manitoba Golf Tournament, it has raised over $90,000 for MCC, which, if you think about it, is quite impressive and something that should be celebrated. So if you are interested in the MCC Manitoba Golf Tournament, I think just go to the website and sign up. I don't need to convince you. For those of you that are like, Hmm, I don't know golf, really, I've got Ron and Danielle to convince you.

Ron Loeppky (12:32):

It is exercise. It is walking. It is enjoying nature. It is all of those things. And there is an incredible elation that comes when you hit the ball the way you want to hit it, and it actually goes where you want it to go. <Laugh>

Danielle Froese (12:49):

I think just come out and see for yourself. Like, it's such a fun day. You won't regret coming. It's a beautiful day in the sun all day. Even if you're not a good golfer, half the people out there aren't. A lot of people that we've golfed with, too, they're just out there. They golf once a year. It's the MCC tournament. So it's not like a PGA tour <laugh> kind of thing. Like, it's just, yeah, it's fun. Everybody is super relaxed and forgiving. You don't need to be a pro golfer to golf the tournament. Just come out and have a great day.

Kyle Rudge (13:24):

So, have we convinced you to join us for the MCC Manitoba's Golf Tournament on Wednesday, July 9th at Bridges Golf Course? Experience our Texas Scramble Tournament featuring on-course challenges, complimented by delicious barbecue lunch and a Mennonite style supper. I mean, it is MCC. Visit mcc.org/manitoba/golf to learn more and secure your spot today.

Also, looking for a one of a kind gift or handmade treasure? Don't miss the Spring Quilt and Craft Sale presented by Piece It Together. That's Saturday, May 10th at Fort Garry Mennonite Fellowship, 150 Bayridge Avenue in Winnipeg from 9 a.m. To 3 p.m. Browse beautifully handcrafted items made and donated by local volunteers, all in support of MCC's global relief work. To learn more, visit mcc.org/manitoba.

MCC Threads is produced by KR Words with story assistance from Jessica Burtnick. Thank you to Ron, Danielle, and Ben for all the things that you've done for MCC in the past and all the things that you're continuing to do today. I'm Kyle Rudge, and this is MCC Threads.