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Tag: goodwill
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2025 Thrifting Hall of Fame: Celebrating Alberta’s Most Legendary Second-Hand Shoppers
Record-breaking nominations lead to an unforgettable awards ceremony as 7 new thrifters earn their place in the Thrifting Hall of Fame.
A Night to Remember: The Energy Was Electric
The blue carpet was rolled out, the spotlights were shining, and the excitement was absolutely palpable as we celebrated our 2025 Thrifting Hall of Fame inductees in Calgary.
This year’s awards ceremony was nothing short of spectacular, with an energy in the room that you could practically touch. Seven exceptional thrifters from across Alberta earned their place among the province’s most legendary second-hand shoppers, joining the ranks of our exclusive Hall of Fame.

2025 Thrifting Hall of Fame: Celebrating Alberta’s Most Legendary Second-Hand Shoppers 8 
2025 Thrifting Hall of Fame: Celebrating Alberta’s Most Legendary Second-Hand Shoppers 9 Record-Breaking Year for Thrifting Excellence
This year brought us something truly special – a record number of nominations that had our selection committee both thrilled and challenged.
From vintage fashion mavens to eco-conscious treasure hunters, Alberta’s thrifting community proved once again that they’re absolutely unstoppable when it comes to finding amazing deals and unique pieces.
The competition was fierce, the stories were inspiring, and every single nomination reminded us why thrifting in Alberta continues to thrive and grow stronger each year.

2025 Thrifting Hall of Fame: Celebrating Alberta’s Most Legendary Second-Hand Shoppers 10 
2025 Thrifting Hall of Fame: Celebrating Alberta’s Most Legendary Second-Hand Shoppers 11 What Makes the Thrifting Hall of Fame Special?
The Goodwill Thrifting Hall of Fame isn’t just another awards program – it’s a celebration of the true art of thrifting. This prestigious recognition brings together treasure hunters, fashion enthusiasts, and sustainability champions who have made a lasting impact in the world of second-hand shopping.
Our virtual hall of fame specifically recognizes thrifters from across Alberta, with only a select handful earning the coveted title of “award-winning thrifter” across seven unique categories. It’s not just about finding great deals (though that’s definitely part of it!) – it’s about the passion, creativity, and community spirit that makes thrifting such an incredible lifestyle.

2025 Thrifting Hall of Fame: Celebrating Alberta’s Most Legendary Second-Hand Shoppers 12 
2025 Thrifting Hall of Fame: Celebrating Alberta’s Most Legendary Second-Hand Shoppers 13 The Ultimate Prize Package Experience
Our 2025 inductees didn’t just receive bragging rights and a spot in thrifting history. Each hall of famer received an amazing prize package designed to make any thrifting enthusiast’s heart skip a beat:
- Exclusive awards ceremony in Calgary with full blue-carpet treatment.
- Complimentary hotel stay in Calgary to rest those deal-finding feet.
- Goodwill gift card to fuel their next treasure-hunting adventure.
- Additional exciting surprises that made the experience truly unforgettable.
The awards ceremony itself was the crown jewel of the experience – a glitzy celebration where thrifting excellence was honored in style.
Missed This Year? There’s Always Next Time!
Didn’t see your name among this year’s inductees? Don’t worry – the thrifting world is full of surprises, and next year could be your moment to shine! We encourage everyone who didn’t win this year to submit a nomination for our 2026 Thrifting Hall of Fame. You never know what will happen, and your unique thrifting story might be exactly what catches our judges’ attention.
Keep following our updates, start documenting your own thrifting journey, and who knows? Next year’s ceremony might feature you walking down that red carpet as our newest Hall of Fame inductee.
Ready to join Alberta’s most exclusive thrifting community? Start planning your nomination story now – the 2026 Thrifting Hall of Fame awaits!
Want to stay updated on all things thrifting? Follow us for the latest news, tips, and announcements about next year’s Hall of Fame nominations?
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POWER UP YOUR GOOD VIBES WITH A $2,500 SCHOLARSHIP
YCONIC/StudentAwards.com and Goodwill Industries of Alberta have teamed up to help support those attending Post-Secondary schooling.
Apply for the Goodwill Industries of Alberta Scholarship for GOOD for a chance to win $2,500 to boost your efforts in spreading good vibes and making a positive impact.
Scholarship for GOOD
With tuition fees on the rise and living expenses adding up, many students and their families find themselves grappling with the daunting prospect of accumulating debt to fund their academic endeavors. However, amidst this financial landscape, there exists a beacon of hope – student scholarships.
Introducing the Scholarship for GOOD open to all Alberta students 14+ and their parents.
Apply for the Goodwill Industries of Alberta Scholarship for GOOD for a chance to win $2,500 to boost your efforts in spreading good vibes and making a positive impact.
No minimum GPA or essays required for entry.

POWER UP YOUR GOOD VIBES WITH A $2,500 SCHOLARSHIP 36 2024 Scholarship Winner
Congratulations to the 2024 winner of the Scholarship for GOOD, Caitlyn U. for being the first-ever recipient of the award.
Caitlyn is using the scholarship to support her studies in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies at the University of Calgary.
Goodwill Industries of Alberta is excited about the re-launch of this scholarship for 2025 to see how GOOD vibes supports learning initiatives for future employment.
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Pickleball for Beginners
The Easy, Thriftable Group-Friendly Halloween Costume To Ace Them All
Pickleball has taken Canada by storm this year as it has become the fastest growing sport in the country. Cities and towns are racing to install pickleball courts for residents and pickleball clubs have become more and more popular. A cross between tennis, badminton, and ping pong, the game creates a fast paced and fun competition – as well as a cute and trendy costume.

Pickleball for Beginners 45 You don’t have to go all out Sporty Spice to break out comfy athleisurewear this Halloween. Grabbing a group of friends, you can easily form the world’s cutest pickleball team. The best part about this easily thriftable DIY costume is that everything you wear for it can be repurposed – whether you play pickleball or not. You never know what you might find at your local Goodwill store, but sometimes it’s a pleasant surprise like the one I spotted at this Goodwill store.
There were racks and racks of Polo shirts in a range of colors, and so many of each shirt in different sizes – all new with tags! It was almost unnerving to look at the rack, which at quick glance looked like I was staring at a rack in a retail store. The difference could be found when I moved closer to the shirts and saw that while the retail store tag priced them at $109 each, the Goodwill tag priced them at $8.99. Score! So many people were in that section finding shirts in their size to take home. And at that price, which could be even lower if you go to Goodwill on a special discount day, you can create a more affordable Halloween costume for your friend group, or even your family.

Pickleball for Beginners 46 Inspired by these polo shirts, I went over to the shorts section to find a pair of classic khakis. I was in luck because the pair I picked up were like new Brooks Brothers, a high quality brand. You can mix and match shirt and khakis, but if you’re planning to go trick-or-treating or to a Halloween party as a team, you may want to pull together a more cohesive ‘uniform’ look and stick with the same color all together.

Pickleball for Beginners 47 Something a lot of people miss at Goodwill stores is that in addition to the racks, most Goodwill stores also have bins and shelves of other treasures. Not only can you find your Halloween outfit at Goodwill, but the accessories to go along with it. In this case, scan the shelves for things like matching visors and sweatbands, and don’t forget to pick up some pickleball paddles to complete the look! Have a fun thrifted DIY costume idea? Tag us on Instagram @GoodwillAB
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Denim Redefined
Goodwill Calgary Fashion Show
Fashion takes a bold new direction as Goodwill presents: Denim Redefined, a fashion show dedicated to sustainability and inclusivity, prepares to showcase upcycled denim creations made by local Calgary designers.
Scheduled for Friday August 16th from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. at Brookfield Place Plaza (225 6 Ave SW), in downtown Calgary, this innovative event marks a significant milestone in the fashion industry’s journey towards diversity and environmental consciousness. Curated by Goodwill Industries of Alberta, Denim Redefined brings together a coalition of local designers committed to pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion norms. By focusing on sustainable practices and embracing inclusivity, these designers aim to redefine beauty standards and inspire a new era of conscious consumerism.

Denim Redefined 50 The models for this show consist of people from various Goodwill Industries of Alberta Mission focused programs, including Career Connections, Opportunity Accelerator, and Goodwill @ Work. There are also models from Kello Inclusive, a modeling agency that focuses on representing people with disabilities.
Goodwill invites fashion enthusiasts, industry professionals, and advocates for inclusivity and sustainability to join us for this groundbreaking event! Together, we can support local talent, celebrate diversity, and pave the way for a more equitable and eco-conscious future.
For more information, please visit our social media channels. The event is FREE to attend.
Details
What: Denim Redefined: Goodwill Calgary Fashion Show
Who: Goodwill Mission Impact, Kello Inclusive Models, and Joelle Tomlinson.
When: Friday, August 16th, 2024, from 12:00pm-1:00pm.
Where: Brookfield Place Plaza, 225 6 Ave SW, Calgary Alberta.
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DONATE TO WIN
Hey Edmonton Oil Kings fans this is your chance to DONATE TO WIN!
With the WHL hockey season winding down, now is the perfect time for Edmontonians to clean out your closet and make a donation to your nearest Goodwill.
Now through March 22 make a donation to your nearest Goodwill Edmonton donation centre and enter for a chance to win an Edmonton Oil Kings team autographed jersey!

DONATE TO WIN 63 Visit your nearest Goodwill location in Edmonton today!

DONATE TO WIN 64 -

Spring Cleaning and Donating to Goodwill
As the winter chill begins to loosen its grip, the arrival of spring brings a sense of renewal and rejuvenation. It’s the perfect time to declutter, organize, and embrace a fresh start. One meaningful way to do this is through spring cleaning, not just for your living space but also for your community.
Your donations to Goodwill aren’t just about clearing out space; they’re about giving people in the community the opportunity to start new lives. Our programs are designed to help individuals build skills, find jobs, and grow their careers.
Your donations to Goodwill mean employment for those with disabilities. Spring Cleaning Tips and Tricks
- The Joy of Decluttering: Spring cleaning isn’t just about getting rid of dust and grime; it’s an opportunity to declutter and create a more organized and harmonious living environment. Begin by assessing each room, sorting through belongings, and deciding what to keep, toss, or donate. Letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose can be liberating and make space for positive energy.
- Take an Inventory: Make a list of what you have in your spring wardrobe, make a list of what you need and donate the items you no longer use and shop at your local Goodwill for your spring fashions.
- Environmental Impact: Choosing to donate rather than discard items has a positive impact on the environment. By extending the life cycle of your belongings through donation, you reduce the overall waste in landfills. In fact, 90% of items donated to Goodwill are re-sold or re-purposed, diverting them from our local landfills. This eco-friendly approach aligns with the spirit of spring, promoting sustainability and responsible living.
- Supporting the Community: When you donate to Goodwill in Alberta, you contribute to a noble cause. Goodwill operates with a mission of providing jobs and job training programs for those with disabilities or barriers. It’s all about finding dignity and joy through meaningful employment. Your unwanted items can become valuable resources for others seeking affordable goods.
- The Goodwill Experience in Alberta: Goodwill Industries of Alberta plays a crucial role in building a stronger community. With over 30 donation centres across the province, Goodwill offers a convenient way for Albertans to contribute to the well-being of their neighbours. From clothing and furniture to electronics and household items, Goodwill accepts a wide range of gently used items.
- How to Donate: Donating to Goodwill in Alberta is a straightforward process. Gather your gently used items, ensuring they are clean and in good condition. Locate the nearest Goodwill donation center or drop-off location in your area. Many sites have designated bins or staff members ready to assist you in unloading your donations.
- Encouraging Others to Join: Spring cleaning and donating to Goodwill in Alberta can be a collective effort. Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to participate in this uplifting activity. Consider organizing a community donation drive to amplify the positive impact on those in need.

Spring Cleaning and Donating to Goodwill 68 Key Donation Facts
- Goodwill received over 850,000 individual donations in 2023, contributing more to our mission services than ever before!
- Goodwill diverted over 19million kg’s from landfills in Alberta in 2023.
- Hundreds of individuals are served by and with our organization each year and it’s all thanks to donated goods.
- According to recent surveys, Goodwill is the preferred place to donate, due to being a Non-Profit organization, with a commitment to Sustainability.
- If you donate an item, we’ll ensure it finds the right home. Goodwill Industries of Alberta has returned war medallions to families and local legions, we’ve returned wedding photos and mementos and we’ve put items on display for the world to see, from Narwhal Tusks (given to the University of Calgary Arctic Museum) to Seal Skin Jackets, now on display in South Edmonton.

Spring Cleaning and Donating to Goodwill 69 Embracing the spirit of spring cleaning by decluttering and donating to Goodwill in Alberta is a win-win situation. Not only do you create a refreshed living space for yourself, but you also contribute to the well-being of others in your community. As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, let the act of giving back be a cornerstone of your springtime rituals.
There is no better time than now. Donate today.




















