Goodwill Fact sheet

In 1949, the Edmonton Council on Community Services was established as a not for profit organization. Shortly after, in 1950, the Edmonton Physically Handicapped Association was created.  This was the starting point for the Goodwill Industries of Alberta of today.

In 1963, the first Goodwill store opened in Edmonton, run by the Edmonton Physically Handicapped Association. In 1975, the association officially became a member of Goodwill Industries International.  International membership offers the benefit of expertise and the brand recognition Goodwill has throughout the world.

Members of Goodwill Industries International operate social enterprises in countries around the world.  These activities include, but are not limited to, thrift stores, manufacturing, custodial services, property maintenance, courier services and catering services.  At the heart of all these business activities is the primary objective of assisting individuals with employment barriers to find work, both in our operations and in the communities we serve.
From our inception, we have provided a variety of rehabilitative services for disabled individuals. In the early 1960s, we adopted the donated goods and retail store model and opened our first stores and donation centres. Goodwill Industries of Alberta has continued to grow and develop to become a significant provider of services to people with disabilities and disadvantages in Alberta.

Goodwill Industries of Alberta operates eight retail locations, 15 donation centres and five employment sites in Edmonton, Calgary and Grande Prairie.  Our approach to social enterprise is to operate a viable and profitable business that employs people with disadvantages and disabilities, where the proceeds can be reinvested in the growth and development of our employment programs and other business ventures.

By responding to the needs of ever-changing communities, Goodwill addresses the broader issue of barriers to employment by helping individuals find dignity and independence through the power of work.

Our mission is to change the lives of people with disabilities and disadvantages by turning household donations and other resources into training and jobs.