Getting Comfortable Being Seen

Jay isn’t new to speaking up. Years ago, back in high school, he was unexpectedly asked to give a speech honouring his school. Standing in front of a gym full of people was intimidating, but it showed him something important — even when things come out of nowhere, he can step forward and handle them.

That experience stayed with him.

What He’s Working On

Right now, Jay is focused on building his leadership skills. For him, leadership means being able to help people when they need it and showing up as someone others can rely on. It’s about supporting others, not standing above them.

Someone Who Believed in Him

One person who stands out in Jay’s journey is his friend Julie. From the moment they met, she believed in him and helped bring him out of his shell. That support made a difference. Over time, Jay noticed more opportunities opening up and felt more confident engaging with the world around him.

Turning Challenges Into Growth

Jay learned early on how powerful it can be to push through discomfort. During his time in Air Cadets, he was constantly challenging himself and learning how to move forward, even when things were difficult. That experience helped shape his mindset — to keep going and not doubt himself.

That lesson still guides him today.

Starting at Goodwill

Jay’s goal was simple: get hired. He started volunteering at the Goodwill Westview location and made himself available wherever help was needed. He helped customers, sorted and loaded items, and got to know the people around him.

Because of his height, he often pulled dresses from high racks. He worked in men’s and women’s shoes, helped open change rooms, supported customer service, and handled price checks. When customers needed help reaching items or carrying things to the back room, Jay stepped in.

He also supported the donation centre — helping move and fix racks when they broke, lifting heavy items, and assisting wherever extra hands were needed. He moved throughout the store, adapting to whatever the day called for.

What Changed Along the Way

As time went on, Jay noticed a shift in himself. He felt more courageous. He stopped backing down and started trusting his abilities. His confidence grew — not just in himself, but in his ability to help others feel confident too.

From Volunteer to Employee

Around his tenth week, Jay was called into the office and offered a two-week trial for a paid position in the donation centre. He accepted and continued working the same way he always had — staying focused and giving his best.

At the end of the trial, he was officially hired.

Why It Matters

Being hired meant more than having a job. For Jay, it meant stability. It meant planting his feet on the ground and starting to truly move forward in his life. It gave him the ability to support the people closest to him and feel proud of what he earned through hard work.

What He Wants People to Know

Jay believes his journey comes down to a few simple things: never give up, keep pushing forward, stay open with yourself, and don’t let doubt — from others or yourself — hold you back.

A Moment Worth Celebrating

What started as a volunteer role turned into a paid position and a sense of belonging. After living across Canada — from British Columbia to Ontario, Saskatchewan, and now Alberta — Jay feels grounded in where he is today.

He’s learning.
He’s building skills.
He’s building a future.

And this is just the beginning.

What Happens After You Donate at Goodwill

When people drop off donations at Goodwill, the moment is often brief. A wave, a thank-you, and they’re on their way. What most people don’t see is everything that happens after.

For Gillian Eberley, Donor Door Lead at Goodwill’s Trail Store, that unseen work is where the real story lives.

“I used to shop at Goodwill long before I worked here,” Gillian says. “I didn’t realize that about ninety percent of what happens in the store happens behind the scenes.”

The Work You Don’t See

From the outside, donating can feel like the end of the journey. Inside the store, it’s just the beginning.

A single donated item may be handled by multiple team members—at the donor door, in production, during tagging, and finally on the retail floor. Sometimes, even more steps are involved before an item is ready for shoppers.

“Before it goes on the floor, there are so many steps and so many people who touch it,” Gillian explains. “It’s a lot more than you realize.”

For Gillian, a big part of her role is managing that flow—making sure donations are protected, handled carefully, and set up for success as they move through the process.

“When you drop something off, you think it’s just good to go,” she says. “But there’s a whole system working behind the scenes to get it there.”

Care Changes Everything

What stands out most in Gillian’s story isn’t just the process—it’s the care.

“I care a lot,” she says. “I put a lot of attention into what I’m doing.”

That care shows up in small but meaningful ways: treating items gently, organizing donations thoughtfully, and making sure the next person who handles them can see their potential.

“You want to make sure we can sell as much as we can,” she explains. “That means not throwing things around, treating items gently, and setting the next person up to do their job well.”

For Gillian, every donation represents an opportunity—not just for the item, but for the people it supports.

What Goodwill Means to Her

When asked what the word Goodwill means to her, Gillian doesn’t hesitate.

“Opportunity.”

Opportunity for employees. Opportunity for donors. Opportunity for shoppers. And opportunity for items that deserve a second life.

“It’s a very people-focused organization,” she says. “It supports Albertans with disabilities in finding meaningful employment, and that’s really important to me.”

Loving Something Old, Again

Gillian’s passion for repurposing and thrifting makes her role feel like a natural fit. She loves seeing the potential in items others might overlook—especially clothing with history.

“This might sound nerdy,” she laughs, “but I love an old pair of denim. Especially something like vintage Levi’s.”

For her, those items tell a story.

“Someone wore those jeans for years—you don’t know how long,” she says. “And now I get the chance to love them again in a different way.”

In a fashion world driven by overconsumption, Gillian sees thrifting as a powerful alternative.

“There’s so much greed in fashion right now,” she says. “You can buy ten cheap new items, or you can buy one old item that has history. You save money, and you give something new life. That cycle is really cool.”

Growing Into Leadership

Recently stepping into a Lead role, Gillian is proud of the improvements she’s made—especially when it comes to organization.

“When things get busy, organization can get pushed aside,” she explains. “But organization matters. It keeps things running smoothly and helps everyone do their job better.”

Sometimes leadership is about big changes. Other times, it’s about the basics.

“Someone needs to come in and say, ‘This goes here. This goes there,’” she says. “Organization keeps chaos from taking over.”

The Power of One

Gillian’s story is a reminder that Goodwill isn’t just one store—and impact doesn’t come from one big moment.

It comes from people showing up. From one donation. From one job done with care.

That’s the power of one.

Helping People Love Their Homes

Katie runs an interior decorating business in Edmonton with a simple goal: helping everyday people love the homes they already have. Her work ranges from rearranging and restyling rooms using only what someone owns, all the way to creating full design plans when new pieces are needed.

Sustainability and affordability are at the heart of everything she does. Whether she’s reworking a space in a single day or building a detailed plan with measurements so clients can shop second hand, Katie believes good design should be accessible — no matter the budget.

Design Without the HGTV Budget

Katie knows that many people think interior design requires massive budgets. She’s seen the magazines and shows that feature six-figure room makeovers. But that’s never been her reality — or her clients’.

She works with a wide range of budgets and believes that a home doesn’t need to be perfect to feel beautiful. It just needs to be better, more functional, and reflective of the people living in it — using the things they already love and the budget they actually have.

Where It All Started

Her passion for interior decorating has always been there, but the real turning point came early in her marriage. With very little money to spend, she had to think creatively about how to decorate her home in a way that felt personal and intentional.

While others were working with tens of thousands of dollars, Katie was working with closer to one hundred. And yet, she realized she could still make a space feel beautiful. That realization stuck with her — and eventually became the foundation of her business.

What she really wanted was to help people love their homes and to make that possible for everyone.

Why Goodwill Matters to Her

Katie has always loved shopping and donating at Goodwill. Thrifting isn’t just something she does — it’s how her home is built. Nearly everything she owns is second hand.

But her connection to Goodwill goes deeper than that.

Katie is a mom of three, and one of her children has multiple disabilities. When she attended the Goodwill Thrifting Awards, she learned more about the organization’s mission to empower people with disabilities through the dignity of work. That moment had a profound impact on her, both personally and as a parent.

It was emotional. Unexpected. And deeply meaningful.

A Story That Changed Everything

At a Goodwill event, Katie heard a young man share his story. He spoke about having disabilities, finding a job through Goodwill, and earning his first paycheck. He talked about how proud he was to show it to his mom.

That moment stayed with her.

As a parent of a child with disabilities, it filled her with hope — hope that with the right support, her child could one day find meaningful work that provided dignity, independence, and pride. From that point on, Katie knew that shopping and donating at Goodwill truly mattered.

Changing the Way People Think About Donating

Katie often hears misconceptions about donating — that items end up in landfills or benefit the wrong people. But she knows the reality is very different.

When people donate to nonprofit thrift organizations like Goodwill, they’re directly contributing to positive change in their community. Donations help create opportunities for people with disabilities and support responsible reuse.

A significant majority of donated items are diverted from landfills, either being sold, recycled, or repurposed. Donating isn’t wasteful — it’s impactful.

Small Habits, Big Impact

One simple habit Katie recommends is keeping a donation tote by the door you use most. Whenever something no longer serves your household, it goes into the tote. Once it’s full, it goes into the car and gets dropped off.

It’s a small, manageable way to make donating a regular part of life.

Letting Go Without Guilt

Katie doesn’t struggle with letting things go. For her, there’s relief in clearing out items that no longer serve her family — especially knowing those items will go on to do some good.

Through her work, she’s seen how hard this can be for others. Many people feel guilt or shame about not using something “properly.” But Katie encourages a different way of thinking: if you’re not using it, donating it allows it to help someone else.

Why Thrifting Works for Her Life

At least seventy-five percent of what Katie owns is thrifted. As an interior decorator, thrifting gives her a creative outlet and allows her to find unique pieces she could never afford brand new.

Finding the perfect item — especially art — is one of her favourite parts. One of her most cherished Goodwill finds is an original oil painting she spotted from across the store and immediately knew she had to have. That piece brought depth, character, and soul into her home.

One Small Choice That Matters

Katie believes one of the biggest impacts people can make is choosing where they donate. Being intentional about supporting nonprofit organizations that directly benefit the local community makes a real difference.

With so many Goodwill locations throughout Edmonton, making that choice is easy — and meaningful.

Why She Keeps Coming Back

Donating and shopping at Goodwill isn’t just about clearing space or finding great items. It’s about being part of a cycle that supports people, protects the environment, and strengthens the community.

For Katie, it’s worth the time, the effort, and every donation.

Why Community Matters

From the moment Nick arrived in Edmonton, one thing stood out to him — this is a city built on community. Everywhere he went, whether it was the grocery store or the mall, he felt the love and passion people had for their teams. Edmonton shows up for its athletes.

Because of that, Nick felt a responsibility to show up for the city in return. As a professional athlete, he believes supporting the community is part of the job. It’s about matching the energy people give you and doing your part to give back.

Embracing the Responsibility

Nick understands the weight that comes with being a role model. But to him, that responsibility is something you embrace when you become a professional athlete. Every day, he’s aware that he’s living a life he once dreamed about — a life shaped by opportunity and hard work.

That awareness drives him to give back whenever he can. Whether it’s signing an autograph or taking a moment to talk with a young fan, he remembers what it felt like to be a kid who looked up to professional athletes. Now that he’s in that position, he makes time to create those moments for others.

Being Bigger Than the Game

For Nick, giving back has always been bigger than football. His connection with Goodwill came together quickly, but it immediately made sense. He understands that professional sports — especially football — attract many fans with disabilities, and he sees a natural connection there.

He sees himself as a big-brother figure and a mentor. Someone approachable. Someone present.

A Moment That Stuck With Him

Recently, Nick visited a school during Black History Month. While there, he met a young girl with a disability who asked her teacher if she could get her walker so she could run with the football players.

That moment stayed with him.

It reminded Nick how easy it is to take everyday abilities for granted — and how powerful small moments can be. For that little girl, running alongside her heroes was something she may never forget. For Nick, it was a reminder of how meaningful it can be to simply show up and make someone’s day.

He takes those opportunities seriously and wants to make the most of the platform he’s been given.

The Values He Lives By

Nick credits his faith as the foundation of who he is. Alongside that, he strives to be humble, approachable, and grounded in good character. He believes something as simple as a smile or a kind interaction can completely change someone’s day.

Being a genuinely good person is something he takes pride in.

The Women Who Shaped Him

When Nick thinks about the people who shaped his life, his family stands out — especially the women in it. His grandmother and his mother played a major role in molding the person he is today.

Growing up in a small town in Vicksburg, Mississippi, his grandmother was known for her kindness and the way she carried herself. She always made time to help anyone who needed care, concern, or support. That example stayed with him.

His mother passed down a lesson he carries with him every day: people may forget your name or what you look like, but they will never forget how you made them feel. Those lessons shaped Nick’s commitment to integrity, character, and leaving a positive impact everywhere he goes.

What He Knew About Goodwill

Before getting involved, Nick knew Goodwill as an organization focused on community outreach. Growing up, he was surrounded by service-driven work. His mother was a high school counselor, and through school clubs and events, he participated in initiatives like canned food drives and homelessness awareness campaigns.

Learning more about Goodwill’s behind-the-scenes work — especially its role in employing people with disabilities and partnering with other organizations — expanded his understanding. It changed his perspective beyond the retail side he was familiar with.

Why Donating Matters

Nick believes donating is incredibly important. While he hadn’t previously donated directly to Goodwill, he shared a moment that changed his thinking. After spending a season in Canada, he returned home and realized how many clothes in his closet he hadn’t worn at all.

Instead of letting them sit unused, he bagged them up and donated them to the closest nonprofit. Many items still had tags on them. To him, it was simple — if he wasn’t using them, someone else could.

That mindset stuck with him. Donating gives people access to items and opportunities they may not otherwise have, and it allows unused things to serve a greater purpose.

Learning as He Goes

Nick admits he hasn’t always been a thrifter, but his perspective is evolving. Seeing high-quality items — including brand-name clothing — reinforced the value of organizations like Goodwill. People can donate items they no longer need, and others can find exactly what they’re looking for at an affordable price.

It’s a system built on reuse, accessibility, and community support.

It All Starts With One

For Nick, giving back doesn’t require grand gestures. It’s about small, intentional actions — a conversation, a donation, a moment of kindness. One interaction can make a lasting impact.

That belief is what connects his values, his career, and his growing relationship with Goodwill.

Because real change always starts with one.

Meet Tara
Tara is a lifelong thrifter at heart — and a proud Goodwill shopper. What started as a practical decision quickly became something much bigger.

Where It All Began
In 2016, Tara walked into Goodwill looking for items to source for her wedding. What she didn’t expect was the feeling that came with it — the thrill of the find. That moment stuck. It was exciting, meaningful, and unforgettable. From then on, she knew thrifting wasn’t just a one-time stop. It was something she’d come back to again and again.

The Thrill of the Find
For Tara, trends don’t start online or in stores — they start at Goodwill. Whether she’s refreshing her home or finding something new to wear, her first instinct is always the same: head to Goodwill and see what’s waiting. Every visit holds the possibility of discovering something unexpected, something personal, something perfect.

A Win That Still Stands Out
One of Tara’s biggest thrift wins was a piece she had been searching for for a long time. When she finally found it — a classic leather moto jacket in her size — it felt unreal. It was timeless, well-made, and exactly what she had hoped for. She still owns it today, and it remains one of her favorite finds.

Why Goodwill Matters
For Tara, shopping at Goodwill is about more than great deals. It’s about impact. Every purchase helps support the community and protects the environment. Giving items a second life means less waste, less consumption, and more intention behind what we choose to bring into our lives.

Small Choices, Big Impact
Tara believes one small choice can make a meaningful difference. Lowering our consumption — choosing what already exists instead of buying new — helps keep items out of landfills and circulating within the community. Everything we need is already out there. It’s just about finding it.

Giving Things a Second Life
That’s what keeps Tara coming back. Every visit to Goodwill is a chance to rediscover, reuse, and reimagine — and to be part of something bigger than herself.

An Artist at Heart

Kaylee Rose Ray is a small business owner with many creative chapters to her story. What began as being an artist grew into photography, and eventually evolved into running a princess-themed business — work she feels deeply grateful for. Much of what she does today is made possible through secondhand finds, especially dresses and costume pieces sourced through Goodwill.

At her core, Kaylee is an artist. Creativity drives her work, her routines, and the way she moves through the world.

Creativity, Mental Health, and Neurodivergence

Kaylee is passionate about supporting mental health and neurodivergence, something that’s personal to her. She is autistic and has ADHD, and she sees both as strengths. Being neurodivergent allows her to shine in many different ways, take on varied creative projects, and move fluidly between ideas.

When things get overwhelming, she listens to her body, rests, and comes back re-energized. That balance allows her to keep creating without burning out.

Why Thrifting Keeps Calling Her Back

For Kaylee, thrifting isn’t just shopping — it’s an experience. Every visit to the Goodwill Outlet Impact Centre starts the same way: she never expects to find what she’s looking for. And almost every time, she does.

It feels like the universe aligning — the exact item, in her size, appearing out of complete randomness. That sense of surprise and discovery keeps her coming back.

Thrifting gets her out of the house, helps her feel good, and gives her a way to explore without breaking the bank. It’s environmentally conscious, creatively inspiring, and deeply energizing for her.

Finding Exactly What She Didn’t Expect

Some finds stand out more than others. One recent example was a pair of tall white boots she’d been searching for since Christmas — roomy boots for a specific costume project. She’d looked everywhere: stores, online listings, marketplace posts. Nothing.

Then, the moment she stopped actively searching, they appeared. Sitting untouched in a bin full of shoes. Her size. Exactly what she needed. And instead of costing fifty dollars, they were five.

It reinforced something she’s learned through thrifting again and again — what’s meant for her always seems to find its way.

A Reason to Get Out of the House

Because Kaylee works most weekends doing princess parties, her weekdays are often spent at home planning, prepping, and creating. Thrifting gives her a reason to leave the house, move her body, and reset her mind.

Going to the bins sparks inspiration. She finds items that only need small repairs or creative adjustments — pieces she can upcycle into something new. As an artist, having something tangible to focus on is essential.

It’s exercise, inspiration, and mental clarity all at once.

Big Wins in Unexpected Places

Some of Kaylee’s biggest thrifting wins have come from moments of pure chance. One day, she walked into the bins hoping to find a dress to wear to an Elsa Broadway show. Immediately upon entering, she spotted it — a stunning blue and silver beaded gown, full of glamour, sitting in the very first bin.

It fit perfectly. It cost two dollars. And it looked like a dress that should have been worth hundreds.

That night, kids genuinely thought she was Elsa.

It’s a moment she still can’t quite believe.

Why Secondhand Is Different

Kaylee believes thrifting offers something box stores never can. Instead of mass-produced items that everyone owns, secondhand pieces carry history. They hold stories from people all over the world — love, care, time, and memory woven into the fabric.

That’s what makes thrifted items special. They aren’t fast fashion. They’re meaningful, unique, and full of character.

This is why she loves the campaign she’s part of — because it celebrates how one person’s story can be passed on, appreciated, and lived in again.

Small Choices That Matter

When it comes to donating, Kaylee believes small actions can make a big difference. Washing items before donating, checking for stains, and taking a little extra care helps ensure pieces can be reused and loved again.

Many of her own upcycled creations started as items someone else dismissed for a tiny flaw. With care, those items become something beautiful again.

The Power of One

For Kaylee, thrifting is more than a habit — it’s a creative outlet, a mental health support, and a source of joy. One shopper. One item. One unexpected find.

Each visit offers a reason to come back.

And every purchase carries the power of one — one story, one second chance, one spark of inspiration.

Meet Melissa

Melissa is a Goodwill team member who plays an important role in creating a welcoming, positive experience for everyone who walks through the doors.

What People Don’t Always See

One of the most meaningful parts of Melissa’s day happens quietly. She spends time helping customers, making sure they feel happy, supported, and comfortable in the store. Those interactions matter, because when customers feel good about their experience, they’re more likely to return.

Turning Donations Into Opportunities

Melissa helps turn donated items into something new. Through recycling and upcycling, items like old jeans are transformed into reusable bags, giving clothing a second life and reducing waste. What may no longer be needed by one person can become something useful again.

Small Improvements That Make a Difference

Recently, Melissa and her team made a simple change to improve the fitting room experience. By switching from one long line to two shorter lines, customers are able to move through more quickly and comfortably, making their visit smoother and more enjoyable.

Teamwork in Action

One Goodwill value Melissa sees every day is teamwork. Team members support one another, help each other out, and work together to keep things running smoothly. Knowing she’s part of a supportive team makes a big difference in her day.

Growing Confidence

Working at Goodwill has helped Melissa become more confident. She’s learned to step outside her comfort zone, interact more easily with customers, and take on new responsibilities. Each interaction has helped her grow.

Skills She’s Gained

Melissa has developed many new skills through her work, including color coding, customer service, working behind the scenes with donations, and supporting soft goods and processing. These skills help her stay engaged and continue learning.

Grateful for the Opportunity

Melissa is thankful for her team, their support, and the opportunity to have meaningful work. She values having a job where she can keep learning, build new skills, and feel encouraged every day.

Meet Tara
Tara is a lifelong thrifter at heart — and a proud Goodwill shopper. What started as a practical decision quickly became something much bigger.

Where It All Began
In 2016, Tara walked into Goodwill looking for items to source for her wedding. What she didn’t expect was the feeling that came with it — the thrill of the find. That moment stuck. It was exciting, meaningful, and unforgettable. From then on, she knew thrifting wasn’t just a one-time stop. It was something she’d come back to again and again.

The Thrill of the Find
For Tara, trends don’t start online or in stores — they start at Goodwill. Whether she’s refreshing her home or finding something new to wear, her first instinct is always the same: head to Goodwill and see what’s waiting. Every visit holds the possibility of discovering something unexpected, something personal, something perfect.

A Win That Still Stands Out
One of Tara’s biggest thrift wins was a piece she had been searching for for a long time. When she finally found it — a classic leather moto jacket in her size — it felt unreal. It was timeless, well-made, and exactly what she had hoped for. She still owns it today, and it remains one of her favorite finds.

Why Goodwill Matters
For Tara, shopping at Goodwill is about more than great deals. It’s about impact. Every purchase helps support the community and protects the environment. Giving items a second life means less waste, less consumption, and more intention behind what we choose to bring into our lives.

Small Choices, Big Impact
Tara believes one small choice can make a meaningful difference. Lowering our consumption — choosing what already exists instead of buying new — helps keep items out of landfills and circulating within the community. Everything we need is already out there. It’s just about finding it.

Giving Things a Second Life
That’s what keeps Tara coming back. Every visit to Goodwill is a chance to rediscover, reuse, and reimagine — and to be part of something bigger than herself.