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Tag: Employment
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Celebrating 40 years at Goodwill
A Feel Good Moment
The Mayor of Goodwill
Edmonton, AB (August 10, 2021) – Known as the Mayor of Goodwill, Andre Molik began his journey at Goodwill as an apprentice in 1979. Two years later in 1981, he officially became an employee. On Wednesday August 11, 2021, Andre, will celebrate 40 years with an organization that has given him an opportunity through the power of work.
To see Andre’s story please visit:
Born with cerebral palsy and a learning disability, Andre has succeeded and has made a tremendous impact at Goodwill within the Goodwill @ Work and Commercial Services division.
“I love what this company does for people with disabilities,” says Andre.
“I love it, I don’t want to leave. It’s just an amazing place to work for!”
To view coverage of Andre on Global News Edmonton please visit:
Starting out on the Goodwill assembly lines, putting together bingo cards, fixing bicycles and other various workshop related activities, Andre has elevated his craftmanship to support Goodwill’s Cleaning Cloths and Telus Netco wires at Commercial Services.
There is no quit in Andre and he looks forward to celebrating 40 MORE years at Goodwill.
Good luck Andre and congratulations!
Since 1963, Goodwill has become one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in Alberta. Approximately 30% of the workforce has a disability. This is a commitment to enhancing people’s lives through meaningful employment.
For more on Commercial Services please visit:
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The Goodwill Volunteer Hub
Volunteer placements are in a holding pattern or they’ve been outright cancelled since the pandemic began last year. This left many people within our Career Connections division without a place to contribute back to the community.
Goodwill’s Job Development Team took this challenge head-on and created “The Goodwill Volunteer Hub.”
This Volunteer Hub is based out of Goodwill’s Career Connections training facility on Whyte Ave. in Edmonton.
Here, individuals with disabilities assemble and create different ‘kits’ to help spread the GOOD vibes throughout our region.
It began with creating kits for disadvantaged people in the community (in partnership with the United Way). Different groups benefit from these kits and the packages range from:
- A children’s literacy kit
- A senior’s activity kit
- A pencil case kit
- A Thank You card to frontline workers
Other assembled kits include:
- Share the GOOD packages to stimulate local business
Albertans’ with disabilities assemble all items, creating dignity and joy through the power of work!
Assembly options are endless as this hub is a platform for volunteerism and community engagement.
We welcome this community engagement because of the challenges before us. As a result, when faced with CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES abound!
To help create more volunteer opportunities for these individuals, please contact us at:
marketing@goodwill.ab.ca -
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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Change to Operating Hours of Goodwill Thrift Store and Donation Centres – Effective March 17, 2020
People help people and we are taking this approach with all of our team members, volunteers, shoppers and donors in mind.
Effective Tuesday March 17, 2020 Goodwill Donation Centres and Stores across Alberta will now have operating hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. MST until further notice.
People help people and we are taking this approach with all of our team members, volunteers, shoppers and donors in mind.
**The exceptions will be the Edmonton Outlet Centre, which will operate from 12pm – 5pm and our Spruce Grove and Whyte Ave locations, which will operate from 10am – 5pm.
We are changing our store and donation centres hours with the health and well being of everyone who frequents Goodwill in mind, so we can remain dedicated towards our mission of helping people with a disability. As a not-for-profit enterprise, we are limited in resources and must act in the best interest of the people we serve. We understand this will hurt many and we will work to ensure no person is left behind.
This is only temporary, but a necessary precaution we must take.
We understand this is a very difficult time with your loved ones and our community. As circumstances continue to develop, we will do our collective best to navigate the situation and we commit to you to providing timely and up to date information as required.
Thank you for your continued support of Goodwill Industries of Alberta and our mission to help Albertans with disabilities find and gain meaningful employment.
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A Feel Good Moment – Elaine Wenger
Elaine Wenger began working at Goodwill 43 years ago and in August she is finally ready to hang up her jacket. Born with a disability, Wenger is an inspiration to those who look to gain meaningful employment and a symbol of how Goodwill Industries of Alberta can help those find a purpose through the power of work.
Canada Manpower helped Wenger get started at Goodwill in 1976 and has since worked at various Goodwill locations in and around the Edmonton region. During this time, she has been able to support her two kids going through post-secondary education and has been part of the growth of Goodwill in Alberta. Not an easy task for someone with a disability working in retail.
“If I can do it, so can you. Don’t let anything ever stop you from doing what you want to do.”
Wenger first started in in sorting and then went to ironing. She evolved as a worker and when she was working downtown Edmonton, her favourite job involved making cookies and muffins for the staff. Currently Wenger is working as a merchandiser at our SouthPark location on Calgary Trail NW.
Wenger will retire in August and is looking forward to spending more time with her family.
Elaine’s story of perseverance, commitment and dedication help illustrate how one can overcome obstacles and how we as people all strive for purpose. This is why Goodwill is proud to help those with disabilities and those who need assistance in finding their purpose.
