Every jacket has a story.
But some jackets tell our story.
In 2025, Goodwill Industries of Alberta reached a historic milestone by surpassing one million donations in a single year for the first time ever. Behind each donation is a tale of community generosity, environmental sustainability, and the power of second chances. And sometimes, the story unfolds not through the person who donates, but through the item itself.
This is the story of one jackets remarkable journey.
Our jacket begins its adventure on a crisp Alberta evening. Its first owner wears it proudly on a date, enjoying soft lighting, nervous laughter, and the gentle comfort of something familiar wrapped around their shoulders. It is more than fabric it is confidence, warmth, and personality stitched into every seam.
But like many items we love for a season, the jacket eventually finds its way to a donation bin at Goodwill. For some, it is the end of use. For Goodwill, it is the beginning of potential.
After processing, the jacket reaches the sales floor clean, priced affordably, and ready for its next adventure.
It does not wait long.
Its second owner picks it up for an upcoming event. Photos are taken, memories are made, and again the jacket becomes part of someone’s meaningful moment a reminder that fashion does not need to be new to be beautiful, stylish, or impactful.
When that chapter fades, the jacket is returned to Goodwill once more. And again, it becomes an opportunity.
This time, the jacket is purchased by someone navigating life with a disability, moving through the store in a wheelchair. It is more than a simple transaction.
It symbolizes Goodwills mission in motion.
Every donation, purchase, and item processed fuels Goodwills employment programs, training initiatives, and social enterprises. This supports Albertans with disabilities or barriers as they work to find and gain meaningful employment.
This jackets journey mirrors the journey of thousands of individuals Goodwill serves every year each transition, each new chapter, each chance to begin again.
Reaching one million donations in 2025 was not just a number it was a reflection of Albertas belief in community impact, sustainability, and inclusive employment.
Every coat, book, lamp, toy, and household item donated
One million donations mean one million opportunities for employment, for environmental impact, and for stories just like our jackets.
This milestone arrives at a meaningful moment the birthday of Goodwills founder, Reverend Edgar J Helms, on January 19.
More than one hundred twenty years ago, Helms sparked a movement rooted in dignity, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to work and thrive. He collected used household goods and clothing, hired people in need to repair them, and sold them to support his community.
The mission has not changed.
The impact has only grown.
As we celebrate Helms birthday, we also celebrate the living proof that his vision endures visible in every store, every team member, every job created, and every donation that keeps the mission alive.
The life of this jacket is more than a narrative it reflects the impact Goodwill makes every day.
It shows that
And as Goodwill Industries of Alberta celebrates surpassing one million donations, we honour every Albertan who made that possible and the ongoing legacy of Edgar J Helms, whose vision continues to empower.
Because every donation has a story.
This year, Alberta made history with a million of them. Thank you!