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Tag: Alberta
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Goodwill Round UP
There’s something new coming to a Goodwill near you!
Every time you shop at your local Goodwill, you have the chance to make a difference and now it’s easier than ever to help Albertans with disabilities find purposeful employment.
Introducing: Goodwill Round UP!
At checkout, you will have the opportunity to Round UP your purchase to the nearest dollar, but you might be wondering; “where will that extra money go?”
GREAT QUESTION!
Every cent you donate through our Round UP program will go directly towards our mission. This adds to the 89 cent of every dollar you’ve already donated by shopping in our stores. This means more resources to help Albertans with disabilities train; find; and gain, meaningful employment in our community.
At Goodwill, your CHANGE will CHANGE a life!
FAQ
- What is the Goodwill Round UP program?
- Our Round Up program is a way for shoppers to help enhance Goodwill’s mission of helping those with disabilities to find and gain meaningful employment.
- How do I Round UP?
- You can either “Round UP” your purchase to the nearest dollar or donate a set amount that you desire. All of these options will be available to you at the check-out.
- How does my change help?
- At Goodwill89, cents of every dollar you spend at our stores directly funds our mission of helping those with barriers to get into the workforce. Under Round UP, 100% of the proceeds goes directly to our programs.
- What programs do you have for these services?
- Goodwill is proud to be one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in the province, with nearly 30% of over 700 staff members having a self-disclosed disability. Goodwill also has a Career Connections Program, where individuals with disabilities are able to train and prepare to find the right career opportunity; either in Goodwill or with a partner organization, striving for long-term success.
- Aren’t I helping just by shopping?
- Yes! You absolutely are and we couldn’t thank you enough for your support! Having said this, your extra generosity will go the extra mile to create a purpose and strengthen your community by helping more people overcome barriers to employment.
- Where can I learn about how my change is being used?
- You can visit our website at goodwill.ab.ca to read about our programs, services and our mission. You can also contact us at marketing@goodwill.ab.ca or 780-944-1414.
- Great, how can I start contributing today?
- You can start by visiting your nearest Goodwill, by finding that one-of-a-kind item that fits perfectly in your wardrobe or household. Visit https://www.goodwill.ab.ca/thrift-store-locations/ to find one near you!
- What is the Goodwill Round UP program?
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Thank You For Making a Difference!
Since 1963, Goodwill has been making a positive impact by changing lives for the better, through the power of work and the dignity of a job.
Thank you to our shoppers, as your dollars provide purpose and employment to Albertans with disabilities.
Thank you to our donors, as your support helps the environment and changes lives for the better.
And Thank you to all Albertans as You stepped up for the GOOD of our community this year.
Together, we will continue to strengthen our province.
To show our appreciation and as a thank you to our shoppers and donors, we are excited to offer an opportunity WIN a luxurious 2-night stay in the beautiful Rocky Mountains!
When you visit a store in the Edmonton and surrounding areas, enter for a chance to win a 2-night stay at the gorgeous Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge! When you visit a store in Calgary and surrounding areas, enter to win a 2-night stay at the picturesque Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise!
We couldn’t have provided this Alberta staycation without our partners at the Fairmont.
The fun won’t end there, because throughout November and December, we’ll be saying thank you in our own unique GOODWILL way, because your contributions have helped further our mission of helping those with disabilities get back into the workforce, finding the right job, for the right person.
Some things to consider about your contributions:
• You helped send 167 Albertans through our Path to Employment.
• You’ve contributed to the more than 500,000 donations we received this past year.
• Through recycling and re-purposing we have diverted about 16million kilograms from landfills annually.
• 89.2 cents of every dollar you spent was reinvested into Goodwill’s mission.Together we are changing lives for the better, strengthening families and communities through the power of work and the dignity of a job.
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Got Forks? How to make a life sized polar bear using thrifted utensils
What do 16,000 forks (and counting), Goodwill, and a polar bear have in common? They are all key aspects of Edmonton artist Dave McAuley’s silverware artwork and sculptures. Dave has been using thrifted and recycled silverware found at Goodwill stores to create a large, metal polar bear statue.
Photo Courtesy of Dave McAuley The statute has been a labour of love and passion project for the welder, who was inspired to create the polar bear after “something lit up in my head”. Beginning the project last spring, the first forms of the design began with a steel cup used for the bear’s nose. In total, he estimates that more than 600 hours or the equivalent of 25 (full 24 hours days) have been lovingly invested into the sculpture.
Photo Courtesy of Dave McAuley Dave is often known as the “silverware guy” to Edmonton area Goodwill stores and is only 4,000 pieces of silverware away from completing his sculpture. Since the polar bear is a female, her cub is next up to create. Should Dave end up at a fork in the road (pun intended) in completing this project, we have him covered at Goodwill – as we’ll be looking and collecting silverware and eagerly awaiting his final sculpture!
Photo Courtesy of Dave McAuley Check out Dave’s thrifted utensil sculpture below:
For additional media coverage please see:
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Recap: Goodwill Virtual Sustainability Show
Back in August with the help of Zoom, Goodwill held its first-ever LIVE Goodwill Virtual Fashion Show and it was a smashing success! Following this show, Goodwill hosted it’s second LIVE Virtual Show – but this time with a sustainability twist!
Wrapping up waste reduction week, Goodwill Industries of Alberta hosted its first-ever Goodwill Virtual Sustainability Show, featuring 6 local thrifting artisans, environmental entrepreneurs and upcycling crafters.
The Goodwill Virtual Sustainability Show focused on showcasing businesses and people that take thrifted items and recycled waste materials found at Goodwill and at Goodwill’s Amazing Edmonton Impact Centre and transforming them into works of art, creating functional items and giving them a second chance at life; rather than ending up in one of Alberta’s landfills.
The 6 participants in the show were:
Corey – [ReWaste]
Reusable Snack bags made from an old singular use strawberry bag? A plastic coaster made from an old diaper genie? These are just a few of the many recycled and repurposed goods from Edmonton’s own [Re]Waste
Started by Environmental entrepreneur Corey, [Re] Waste is committed to diverting plastics and other reusable “wastes” from landfills, oceans and incinerators, by repurposing the plastic/wastes into practical pieces like coasters, bags, and everything in between.
Instagram: @rewaste.ca
Facebook: [Re]Waste
Coasters/Tiles made from recycled plastic flakes 
Photo courtesy of [Re]Waste Laura – Reverie Crafts & Creations
From Macramé key chains and wall hangings
to upcycled furniture masterpieces to homemade masks, Laura from Reverie Crafts & Creations is also a very familiar face to the Goodwill Family!
Laura works at one of our Calgary Goodwill stores and recently started her own small business now called Reverie Crafts & Creations just a few short weeks ago.
Instagram: @reverie_crrafts_creations.yyc
Facebook: Reverie Crafts & Creations
An upcycled end table, lovingly restored by Reverie Crafts and Creations 
Photo Courtesy of Reverie Crafts & Creations Jonathan – Full Circle Plastics
Located near Lethbridge, Alberta Full Circle Plastics creates long-lasting, durable products using recycled plastic materials and extrusion.
Full Circle Plastics loves the creativity of taking items that are odten seen as waste, and recycling them into products that can last a lifetime. Some of their products include fence boards, plastic lumber, parking curbs and park benches!
Instagram: @fullcircleplastics
Facebook: Full Circle Plastics Ltd.
Website: www.fullcircleplastics.ca
Believe it or not, this bench is made from recycled plastic chips! 
Photo Courtesy of Full Circle Plastics Lee – Urban Squirrel Designs
Lee from Urban Squirrel Creations in Calgary describes herself was a city dwelling quilling artist living in a repurposed universe, who breathes new life into various paper mediums and prevents them from ending up in our landfills.
She chooses mediums like books that are bound for the trash – ranging from Atlases, comic books, sheet music and even damaged bibles. All pieces are created to be unique, creative, elegant and thought provoking – things that buyers would be proud to keep or give as a gift.
Instagram: @urban_squirrel_designs
Facebook: Urban Squirrel Designs
Website: https://urbansquirrelcreations.webs.com/
Hand quilled paper art created from upcycled books like damaged bibles and atlases that would otherwise end up in the landfill 
Photo Courtesy of Urban Squirrel Designs Nicole – BOOM Bags #YEG
Locally based in Edmonton, Boomerang Bags #YEG has been formed to get folks together to make reusable shopping and produce bags in a fun and social setting. The bags are made from DONATED material.
Every fabric Boom Bags YEG can keep approximately 700 plastic bags out of our landfill. The bags are given away FREE to our friends, families, and folks we don’t even know!! as a plastic bag alternative that can be used and reused or passed on to others. The only requisite to receiving one of our FREE shopping bags, is that the receiver PLEDGES to use it! If they cannot, they promise to pass along to someone else.
Instagram: @boombagsyeg
Facebook: Boomerang Bags YEG
Website: https://boomerangbags.org/listings/edmonton-ab-canada-boombagsyeg/
The amazing volunteers behind BOOM Bags #YEG 
Photo Courtesy of BOOM Bags #YEG Johnson – Commercial Services, Goodwill Industries of Alberta
Located out of the Amazing Edmonton Goodwill Impact Centre, the Commercial Services team is comprised of individuals with disabilities who take discarded items and make them new again. The team makes cleaning cloths out of discarded t-shirts and towels, works with Suncor on a nuts and bolts program, creates outstanding upcycle furniture among others.
Johnson the leader of the Goodwill @ Work program is here to talk about the amazing opportunities this team has created at Goodwill.
Website: www.goodwill.ab.ca/commercialservices/
Goodwill’s famous cleaning cloths- made from recycled t-shirts and towels 
Photo Courtesy of Commercial Services, Goodwill Industries of Alberta Be sure to follow these amazing businesses! Not only are you supporting Albertans but also supporting sustainability champions!
For those who missed the live show, a recorded version can be found and viewed below.
We’ll be adding more themed shows to this series… so stay tuned for our next Virtual Goodwill Show!
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Arctic Narwhal Tusk donated to Goodwill finds permanent educational home at the Arctic Institute of North America at the University of Calgary
Calgary, AB (October 20, 2020) – Since 1963, Goodwill Industries of Alberta has been thankful to many supporters, from shoppers to donors, to volunteers. Throughout the years, our organization has received many unique donations to support our mission of helping those with disabilities through the power of work.
Last month, was no exception, as a generous donor donated something so unique and rare, we knew that it had have a home where it would be well represented within the community. It was an ivory tusk from a Narwhal whale in Canada’s Arctic regions.
Photograph Courtesy of Hesam Rezaei The tusk came with hunting tag that dates back to 1978 and is about 24 inches in length. For centuries in Inuit communities, narwhals have provided food for those in the Arctic and have supplied materials for day-to-day living. The narwhal hunt is significant as it provides both food and income, particularly in isolated Arctic communities, where employment opportunities are very scarce for families involved in hunting. Items like these are a fundamental part of Indigenous Culture and History and must be preserved.
As a social enterprise, we are thankful of the donation to help the betterment of our community in Alberta, and are looking to honour the tusk’s cultural significance. After speaking with multiple local organizations, Goodwill is pleased to announce that the tusk will be given to the Arctic Institute of North America, located at the University of Calgary, who is committed to preserving the tusk’s historical and cultural integrity.
“This is a way to create an educational opportunity in our community based on historical, environmental, and cultural significance. We are proud to work with the Arctic Institute of North America to feature higher learnings of what the Narwhal means to those living in the Arctic.” says Goodwill Industries of Alberta CEO Dale Monaghan.
Photograph Courtesy of Jim Wells, Postmedia The artifact will create a better learning opportunity about this history of our great white North.
“Narwhals are a Canadian treasure! They are a highly intelligent small whale species which only exists in the Arctic, and considerably more than half the existing number of animals (estimated at ~120,000 adult animals by the IUCN Redlist) are found in Canadian waters.” Says Dr. Sandie Black, Associate Clinical Professor of Veterinary Medicine and Head Veterinary at the Calgary Zoo. “In Canada, our collective actions in managing Arctic development sustainably, and in safeguarding the marine Arctic will determine their future.”
A hand-off of the Narwhal tusk will take place in a closed celebration, as both organizations continue to practice safe measures during COVID-19.
For additional media coverage please see:
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Throw ‘n’ Go Calgary
What happens to the clothing and textiles brought to the City of Calgary Throw ‘n’ Go?
Clothing and textiles are donated, reused or recycled depending on their condition. Any reusable clothing is sent for resale to retailers internationally. If the item isn’t reusable, it will be recycled instead. Textile recyclers turn old clothing, shoes, linens and fabrics into new products. Materials are sorted, cleaned and can be turned into wiping rags or shredded down for upholstery stuffing or fiber recycling.
All dropped-off clothing and textiles are organized by Goodwill Alberta.
Please note that Goodwill does not offer textile recycling bins at any other locations in Calgary. However, you can take clothing and shoes to a Goodwill store for donation and recycling as well.
Is there a list of recyclable clothing, shoes and textiles?
Yes. The City of Calgary Throw ‘N’ Go bins accept a variety of textiles including:
- Clothing (shirts, dresses, pants, underwear, sweaters)
- Outerwear (e.g. coats and jackets)
- Shoes and footwear (sandals, sneakers, runners, dress shoes, heels)
- Purses, backpacks, wallets, and belts
- Household linens (e.g. bedding, towels, curtains, pillows, tea towels, duvets and blankets)
- Reusable shopping bags (e.g. cloth grocery store bags, Lululemon bags)
- Burlap bags (coffee or rice)
- Underwear, bras and hosiery
- Accessories like hats, mittens and scarves
- Cleaning cloths, rags, and scrap fabric (ensure cleaning fabrics are laundered first)
- Carry-on sized luggage, suitcases and duffel bags (these bags must fit in textile bin otherwise please take to a Goodwill thrift store or donation centre.
How do I prepare clothes for recycling?
- Even if the material is ripped or damaged, make sure that all clothing and fabrics are clean before bringing in for recycling.
- Place items inside a bag before dropping off at the City of Calgary landfill Throw ’n’ Go. This helps keeps the clothing dry and makes it easier to collect.
- If you bring other garbage in your load, landfill charges will apply.
For more information please visit the City of Calgary.
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Alberta Business Awards of Distinction
The Alberta Business Awards of Distinction recognize businesses/organizations that have demonstrated outstanding achievement and contribution to their community while having developed business acumen & management practices to ensure long term sustainability.
The stakes were very high and the competition was fierce in each of the 13 categories. All 269 of this year’s submissions exemplified business excellence.
Goodwill Industries of Alberta is proud to be nominated for this year’s Diversity Award of Distinction.
The Diversity Award of Distinction recognizes an inclusive business/ organization which demonstrates best practices in recognizing and appreciating diversity so that employees, clients, customers and others are respected and valued as unique individuals. Inclusion is the act of creating a work environment of hiring and staff development practices in which all employees feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued, and able to fully participate in the organization’s mission and business performance.
The winner’s of the awards will be announced in a live (virtual) presentation on Friday, October 9th.
To date, over 300 companies have been named Alberta Business Award of Distinction recipients. There are currently 13 diverse award categories, with an additional Alberta’s Best of Business Award.
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DEAM
Goodwill Industries of Alberta has first handily seen the impact of inclusive employment, the power of a job and the dignity of a job on the lives of Albertans with disabilities. Our Career Connections Team, supports people with disabilities in locating employment or volunteer opportunities in their communities. Individuals are assisted with identifying their employment goals, employment preparation, job search and employment coaching.
As one of Alberta’s largest employers of people with disabilities, Goodwill is proud to be a supporter of DEAM and its month-long activities throughout Alberta. Taking place each October nationally and provincially, Disability Employment Awareness Month or simply known as DEAM, is a campaign and event that works to promote inclusion within the job market for people with disabilities. DEAM raises awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities while celebrating the impact and contributions of these workers.
There are many opportunities to participate and celebrate DEAM! Due to COVID restrictions, many events listed below are being offered virtually – and anyone can attend. Check out the opportunities in your area:
Calgary
Friday October 2nd: Calgary DEAM Kickoff/Proclamation – Online Option Available (info to be posted on website)
Tuesday October 6th: DEAM Calgary Employer and Self Advocate Panel @ Prairie Dog Brewery 2:00-3:00 pm – LIVE Stream link found here
Tuesday October 13th: MentorAbility Industry Information Session, Careers in Animal Care 1:00 – 2:00pm – Link available here
Edmonton
Thursday October 1st: Edmonton “Bringing DEAM together during COVID-19” virtual kick off – LIVE Stream found here
Tuesday October 13th: MentorAbility Industry Information Session, Careers in Animal Care 1:00 – 2:00pm
Tuesday October 20th: DEAM Business Champions Network Panel discussion 1:00 -2:15 pm
Tuesday October 27th: Mentorability virtual session 9-10 am, Celebrating DEAM and National Mentoring Day
For more information on Calgary’s DEAM Celebrations, please visit: http://www.calgaryemploymentfirst.ca/deam/
For more information on Edmonton’s DEAM Celebrations, please visit: https://pdconnection.org/disability-employment-awareness-month-deam/
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Goodwill Pop-Up Shop 2020
The summer of 2020 has been…different. Rules and restrictions are in place for mass gatherings, social distancing measures are instituted to ensure disease isn’t transmitted easily, while there is hand sanitizer on every corner. This will be a story our children and our children’s children will hear for ages, on how the world changed. Street markets across Alberta had to shift priorities and Goodwill had to pause and reflect to assess how we could build on the success of 2019, with our Goodwill Pop-Up Shop.
Well, we found a way! While we didn’t participate in as may markets this year, we partnered with two street markets in Edmonton late in August, bringing the best of the Goodwill finds directly to you.
On Saturday August 22nd, we set up on 104th Street in Edmonton for the Al Fresco on 4th market. This market is a way for people to discover the new, vibrant outdoor market filled with extended patios, various food trucks, and retail vendors for the family to enjoy in the sun.
It was here, where we introduced new and upcycled Goodwill items, that many people have never seen before. These included our upcycled tea-cup candles, cleaning cloths and a brand new table top that was repaired at Goodwill in our Repair for Good program. The day was a hit, where our staff fielded many questions to our garments, to these amazing items we have been able to keep out of the landfill.
From 104th Street, we made our way West to the 124th Grand Market on 124th Street. The sun was shining, music was playing and people were out enjoying the late afternoon. We were ready to showcase some high-end unique donations that were ready to generate revenue for our mission of helping people with disabilities to find and gain meaningful employment. This market serves the community with quality, locally farmed and focused products, supporting growth of burgeoning businesses and entrepreneurs. We are proud to showcase the locally donated items that can be turned into new fixtures for your home.
While this was a small step compared to the year prior, 2021 will be full steam ahead, as we look to participate in more markets, supporting emerging business leaders, our local community and most of all our mission.
Courtesy of Doug Roxburgh
Goodwill Industries of Alberta Contributor
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Recap: Goodwill’s LIVE Virtual Fashion Show
After adapting to the restrictions and guidelines regarding public safety in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Goodwill had to be creative and innovative when it came to hosting events this year. With the help of Zoom, Goodwill’s first-ever Live Virtual Fashion Show was a smashing success! Local thrift experts from across the province turned their houses into catwalks while people from all over the world tuned in.
Jocy McCormack, who goes by the instagram handle ojoshi, describes her style as laid back and hip, utilizing bold statement pieces and accessories to make her outfits pop. The thrifting experts purchased and styled thrifted outfits found Goodwill stores from around the province. Bringing their own unique style and flare, looks ranged from eclectic casual streetwear to 90’s glam with touches of feminine accents. The experts also shared their tips and tricks on how they style and shop for items at Goodwill. Described as “feel good” fashion, people shop thrift for different personal reasons, including supporting the social greater good, like Goodwill’s mission of helping Albertans with disabilities to find and gain meaningful employment, as well as to shift towards sustainable fashion.
Mel Mathison of @YYCthriftguide on instagram focuses on sustainable fashion – vowing to purchase and reuse thrifted and used clothing for an entire 366! She shared more details about her adventure of #NoNewClothes during the show below Thrifting expert Mel (who can be found at @ThriftyYYC on Instagram) is so committed to sustainability that the Mom is not purchasing new clothing for an entire 366 days! Instead Mel is focused on shopping for thrifted and used pieces, utilizing pieces already in existence within her closet to create new outfits every day.
For Sydney, Goodwill is one of her favourite places to shop not only because of the value in prices but in supporting Goodwill’s mission of helping Albertans with disabilities find and gain meaningful employment. The teen herself has cerebral palsy and is honoured to be an advocate for persons with disabilities.
While there is a stigma that thrifted clothes can be unstylish, viewers left the show inspired to create their own thrifted outfits and to head to their local Goodwill to shop thrifted, “feel good” fashion.
For those who missed the live show, a recorded version can be found and viewed below.
With the success of the first ever virtual fashion and viewers requesting for more, Goodwill is pleased to announce that another virtual show is in the works – stay tuned for more details! Hint: It’ll be holiday themed!
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Health and Safety Within Goodwill Store
Since 1963, Goodwill Industries of Alberta has been a leader in changing lives for the better, strengthening families and communities through the power of work and the dignity of a job. We pride ourselves on converting donations to tremendous opportunity for Albertans with disabilities through our award winning social enterprise. Through our Community Connections employment program, we have been highly successful in partnering with companies and organizations to create employment in the community with these partners. We do all of this with a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability ensuring the opportunities we create and generate today do not impair opportunity for future generations, and our planet.
Facemasks
Health and well-being within Goodwill Stores Aligning with best practices and playing our part to support a healthy, vibrant and safe community, beginning IMMEDIATELY, Goodwill Industries of Alberta is aligning with provincial governments, as health services are requiring that facemasks are to be worn in all public spaces.
This means that in accordance with Provincial Government Health Guidelines, all shoppers in Alberta must wear a facemask upon entering Goodwill stores.
Provincial Government Mandate We embrace this opportunity to protect the health and well-being of everyone at Goodwill, including all of our valued team members, volunteers, donors and shoppers. There will be challenges moving forward with this, though we are committed to uphold expectations from a health and safety perspective, protecting those who are most vulnerable.
How to wear a mask Store and Donation Hours Changed
Store and Donation Hours Change Please note the following changes to store hours:
All thrift retail stores in Alberta will now operate from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. until further notice*
*Exceptions include:
The Edmonton Impact Centre (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Whyte Avenue in Edmonton (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Spruce Grove (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Stand-alone Donation Centres hours remain 10 a.m. – 5p.m.
The following Donation Centre attached to retail stores will operate 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Grande Prairie
Edmonton – Manning Crossing & Westview (Stony Plain Road)
Calgary – Chinook (Macleod Road) & Varsity (Shaganappi Village)Store Policies
Policies will be in place for Goodwill’s thrift retail stores, including but not limited to:
- Sneeze guards at the check-outs
- Physical Distancing measures
- Maximum occupancy limits
- Employees wearing COVID related personal protective equipment
- No contact donation drop-offs
- Disinfecting and sanitizing all donations upon arrival in partnership with True North Environmental Solutions.
Washrooms Close Currently Washrooms and Change Rooms are unavailable to customers. Please note the exchange policy below for apparel.
Exchange Policy Edmonton Impact Centre
The Edmonton Impact Centre and Outlet store continues to have rules in place for safety:
• Maximum capacity limits.
• Only 1 entrance and exit.
• Face coverings mandatory for all customers
• Shopping age restrictions. No one under the age of 12.
• One customer per bin, with identified markings
• Payment by debit/credit card preferred
• Sanitization and disinfection of all materials
• Customers who violate new procedures may be asked to leave.
Shopping Guidelines This is a large step to bring back an organization that has helped so many through the power of work as 89% of funds raised from purchases at Goodwill go back into programs to help those with disabilities find and gain meaningful employment.
The world has changed, but our community hasn’t. Our province continues to share goodness to our fellow neighbours who are quarantined. We continue to deliver good vibes throughout our cities. We give when we are struggling. We help when we need help the most. Together, we are spreading the good. -
Show your boots and stampede on – Stampede spirit at Goodwill can’t be cancelled!
Stampede 2020 left a mark that will all remember for years to come!
Despite the official cancellation of the 108th Calgary stampede, the stampede spirit couldn’t be cancelled at Goodwill stores and for western influencers like Renata Perili. Renata shares her love of all things western and country including her love of thrifted and vintage fashion on her Instagram page @Renata.Rae. Renata loves styling unique and vintage pieces to create outfits that can go from the rodeo to the midway and beyond.
In keeping the stampede spirit alive this year, we tagged along as Renata took us through a typical pre-stampede week shop at our Calgary Goodwill stores and as she shared her final #GoodwillStampede looks. She hit three of our Calgary stores and shopped for pieces not only for her but her two adorable kids – daughter Aurora and son Connor.
Here’s a few of Renata’s go to tips for putting together your perfect Stampede outfit together at Goodwill:
- Accessories make an outfit – Renata looks for anything that has a vintage vibe and has conchos. Sometimes she’ll even looks for a cool bolo tie – a closet staple for cowboys and girls!
- Belts are a must – they are a great way to add shape and western flair to any outfit
- Look for the white cowboy hat – You’ll be in great company if you don a classic Calgary white hat – like Princess Kate and Prince William did in 2011! Goodwill carries many of the Calgary classic white hats that are great quality and perfect for any weather at the grounds.
- Look for little unique details on cowboy boots – Details, extra design elements add a bit of interest and style to your outfit.
- Don’t forget to give your home the western/stampede treatment – from picture frames, to mugs to western/prairie inspired art work, the stampede spirit can even live on in your home décor!
Throughout the week, Renata shared her final #GoodwillStampede looks with us and we’re not sure which look we loved best!
#GoodwillStampede Look Day 1: Come Hell or High Water ???? This Hell or High Water tee was originally printed in 2013 after the Calgary floods. It’s a reminder (especially this year!) of how strong and resilient Calgary is when the community comes together! 
T-shirts go with everything – and can be dressed up or down with a skirt or a pair of jeans. T-shirts are also great for hot days on the grounds – perfect for an afternoon at the rodeo or a night at the chuckwagon races! 
#GoodwillStampede Look Day 2: Cowgirl Tough ???? Here’s one of the cutest models ever! Renata’s daughter Aurora is cowgirl tough and ready for a day checking out the agriculture barns or riding horses at the ranch! 
Renata always looks for brands she loves and knows – check out Aurora’s outfit details below! ???? Levis ???? Ariat ???? Carhartt 
Thrift Tip: Kids outgrow their clothes so fast – thrifting is a great way to find quality, brand name items for your kids without breaking the bank 
#GoodwillStampede Look Day 3: Cowboy Connor ???? Meet Cowboy Connor! Renata’s son Connor is the cutest cowboy we’ve seen these past 6 days – ready to take on the rodeo or the rides at the kids midway ???? 
#GoodwillStampede Look Day 4: Fringe Friday ?
Can you ever have too much fringe? NOPE! Fringe makes any piece of clothing instantly western and perfect for any event during stampede. Renata’s fringe sweater is from Ariat and her bolo tie a great #GoodwillFind.As the sun sets on Stampede for 2020, thanks to everyone who followed along on Renata’s take over, shopped our showed their boots and keep the stampede spirit alive. 2021 is sure to be bigger, bolder, and even better – Yahoo!
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Spread the GOOD
The world has changed, but our community hasn’t.
Our province continues to share goodness to our fellow neighbours. We continue to deliver good vibes throughout our cities. We give when we are struggling. We help when we need help the most.
Which is why Goodwill Donation Centres and Thrift stores have opened right across the province. Through your generous support, Albertans with disabilities are experiencing dignity and joy through the power of work.
Thank you to the amazing nurses, doctors, grocers, truck drivers and other essential workers. You carried the world when others couldn’t. Albertans will now help you ease this burden. We’ll carry the weight and we’ll share the goodness you’ve brought to this world, because together, with Goodwill, we will spread the good.
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Stores that are OPEN
Media Release
Edmonton, AB (May 14, 2020) – With safety precautions in place and lessons learned from our re-opening of thrift stores on May 16, Goodwill is excited to bring back more team members to re-launch 3 more thrift retail locations as together we continue to rally to overcome an unforeseen obstacle as we revive what was temporarily lost.
On Thursday May 21, 2020, Goodwill is taking steps to re-launch the largest Goodwill thrift retail store in Alberta with Westview, alongside Manning Crossing in Edmonton. While in Calgary, MacLeod Trail is set to open their doors to the general public. Measures to slowly re-open our thrift stores are done ensuring the health and well-being of our clients, donors, shoppers, volunteers and employees.
On Saturday May 23, 2020, a chinook is blowing through MacLeod Trail in Calgary as the store at 5707 Macleod Trail SW is opening their doors.
AND on Monday May 25, 2020, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Whyte Ave and the Impact Centre/Outlet Store in Edmonton and Varsity in Calgary will be ready to go for the public!
The Edmonton Impact Centre and Outlet store will have some temporary rules in place for safety:
• Maximum capacity of 18 people• Only 1 entrance and exit.• Face coverings highly encouraged for all customers• Shopping age restrictions. No one under the age of 16.• One customer per bin, with identified markings• Payment by debit/credit card preferred• Sanitization and disinfection of all materials• Customers who violate new procedures may be asked to leave.
Stores will operate from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m including the Edmonton Impact Centre.
Here is a complete list as to what thrift stores are OPEN:
Edmonton and area
- SouthPark – #180, 3803 Calgary Trail NW
- Westview – 18715 Stony Plain Rd. NW
- Manning Crossing – 600 Manning Crossing NW
- Whyte Avenue – 10110 82 Avenue NW, Unit 205
- Impact Centre and Outlet Store
- Sherwood Park – 130 Athabascan Avenue, Sherwood Park
- Spruce Grove – 98 McLeod Avenue, Spruce Grove
Calgary and area
- Beacon Heights – #710, 12024 Sarcee Trail NW
- TransCanada – 1440 – 52 St. NE
- MacLeod Trail – 10426 MacLeod Trail SE (Willow Park area)
- Chinook – 5707 Macleod Trail SW (by Chinook mall)
- Varsity – 4625 Varsity Dr NW
- Airdrie – 306, 800 Veterans Blvd. NW, Airdrie
Grande Prairie
- Grande Prairie – 10940 100 Avenue
ALL STORES OPEN
This is a large step to bring back an organization that has helped so many through the power of work as 89% of funds raised from purchases at Goodwill go back into programs to help those with disabilities find and gain meaningful employment.
Policies will be in place for Goodwill’s thrift retail stores, including but not limited to:
- Sneeze guards at the check-outs
- Physical Distancing measures
- Maximum occupancy limits
- Employees wearing COVID related personal protective equipment
- No contact donation drop-offs
- Disinfecting and sanitizing all donations upon arrival in partnership with True North Environmental Solutions.
The world has changed, but our community hasn’t. Our province continues to share goodness to our fellow neighbours who are quarantined. We continue to deliver good vibes throughout our cities. We give when we are struggling. We help when we need help the most. Together, we are spreading the good.
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Goodwill re-launches with 4 stores
Media Release
Edmonton, AB (May 14, 2020) – A new standard is upon us as we ease back into societal norms. Together we continue to rally to overcome an unforeseen obstacle as we revive what was temporarily lost. This has meant adjustments and obligations towards the health and safety of our community. A healthy community is a functioning community.
On Saturday May 16, 2020, Goodwill is taking steps to re-launch the organization by opening select thrift retail operations. We will be re-opening thrift store locations in Grande Prairie, Trans Canada and Beacon Heights in Calgary and SouthPark in Edmonton. Measures to slowly re-open our thrift stores are done ensuring the health and well-being of our clients, donors, shoppers, volunteers and employees. Stores will operate from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
While other Goodwill thrift retail stores will relaunch at a later date, this is a large step to bring back an organization that has helped so many through the power of work as 89% of funds raised from purchases at Goodwill go back into programs to help those with disabilities find and gain meaningful employment.
Kevin Macdonald, Chair of the Board of Directors, is happy to have people return to work.
“Thanks to our community we have become an award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise, who is now one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in Alberta. Many of our team members, shoppers, volunteers and donors are our friends. They are our family.”
President and CEO Dale Monaghan is proud to relaunch the social enterprise, helping to strengthen lives for the better.
“There are for-profit organizations and there are not-for-profit organizations. I am proud to refer to Goodwill as a FOR-IMPACT organization.”
About 30% of Goodwill’s 750 employees has a disability and 89% of funds raised from your donation goes into programs that will help those with disability find a meaningful job.
Monaghan continues, “I cannot say thank you enough to the hundreds of thousands of Albertans who regularly support Goodwill. Together we are carrying the torch of so many, as we change lives for the better.”
Policies will be in place for Goodwill’s thrift retail stores, including but not limited to:
- Sneeze guards at the check-outs
- Physical Distancing measures
- Maximum occupancy limits
- Employees wearing COVID related personal protective equipment
- No contact donation drop-offs
- Disinfecting and sanitizing all donations upon arrival in partnership with True North Environmental Solutions.
The world has changed, but our community hasn’t. Our province continues to share goodness to our fellow neighbours who are quarantined. We continue to deliver good vibes throughout our cities. We give when we are struggling. We help when we need help the most. Together, we are spreading the good.
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About Goodwill Industries of Alberta: Creating positive change since 1963, Goodwill’s mission is to provide Albertans with disabilities the opportunity to enhance their lives through meaningful employment. Goodwill Alberta is one of the largest employers of Albertans with disabilities; 30% of Goodwill employees have a self-disclosed disability. We provide employment opportunities in our thrift stores and an accommodating work environment for Albertans with disabilities in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, St. Albert, Grand Prairie, Calgary and Airdrie. Our Edmonton based Career Connections program has been providing employment coaching, job search, and training to individuals with developmental disabilities for decades. The success of Goodwill’s retail operations revolves around the generosity of people in our community choosing to donate to Goodwill and shop at our thrift stores. Every year over one million Albertans shop at Goodwill, and more than 700,000 Albertans donate to Goodwill; 89.2% of all revenues go back into our mission and remains in Alberta. We are also a major recycler of a growing range of donated items; we recycle more than 13 million kg every year. We are a donor-driven charitable society and we’ve been proudly serving Albertans for nearly 60 years.
