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Tag: thrift
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Repair For Good Live Demonstration
The good thing about upcycling is that there really are no limits to what you can create. It’s a sustainable, cost-effective option, and anyone can join the upcycling revolution and undertake a range of upcycled furniture projects!
This revolution has came to Goodwill as our organization goes back to our heritage. Back to where it all began.
In conjunction with ATB Financial through the Sustainable Action Plan, Goodwill has created the Repair for Good program. A program that takes discarded furniture and keeps the items out of the landfill by upcycling and creating a new centre piece for your home. Oh and the people refurbishing these furniture pieces? That’s right, they are volunteers and employed Albertans with disabilities. The transformation is amazing!
Goodwill has even had live demonstrations at our Goodwill Westview Thrift Store and Donation Centre where people could watch first hand how these pieces have been upcycled!
Funds from each purchase will go towards programs that will help more people with disabilities find purposeful employment. Our trainers will inspect all items for quality before pick-up. Please message for more details. Prices are firm with pick-up in the West End of Edmonton. 11415 168st. NW
Courtesy of Doug Roxburgh
Goodwill Industries of Alberta Contributor
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See everything from video of the Career Connections programs, stories of how Goodwill impacted lives for the better, to our weekly tag sales!
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Goodwill Date Night
Everyone knows that famous dating profile quote “I like long walks on the beach”. But for “thrifting queen” and influencer Grace Rodgers, change the word beach to Goodwill. Grace is an avid thrifter and chronicles her thrift store finds and shopping tips on her Instagram page StyleandGracepreloved. Introduced to thrifting at a young age, Grace shops weekly at Goodwill and along with partner Nick, loves to hit Goodwill for their version of date night.
Grace Rodgers of Styleandgracepreloved With Grace’s love of Goodwill, thrifting and with Valentines Day around the corner, we asked if we could tag along on one of their Goodwill date nights and we even challenged them to a thrift off- where they were tasked to put together a full outfit for only $20.
We followed Grace and Nick as they went on their date at our Beacon Heights Store in Calgary. Here’s a few tips and tricks Grace shared with us for a successful Thrift off and shopping trip:
- Always check for what colour of tag is on sale – the tag colour on sale changes weekly
- Hit your favourite sections first and maximize your time – Grace loves the jean, shoes and book sections – so she spends most of her shopping trips in these sections before moving on
- Grab a cart – you never know how many options you’ll want to try on and it helps to keep your hands free for shopping
- Check the put away racks by the dressing rooms – it may not have been a winner for the person who tried it on before, but you could find a few winners that work for you
- Scope out the selection behind the counter – Behind the counter is where more treasures can be found. Spot something you’d like to see? One of our friendly team members would be happy to assist you!
At the end of the date, Grace and Nick had their final outfits ready. Grace found a gorgeous, green formal coat and paired it with booties. Nick went plumber chic with one-piece green coverall and accessorized with a Calgary flames snapback hat. After putting the vote out to our Instagram followers, Grace was determined the winner!
Nick’s Plumber Chic Look 
Grace in a gorgeous green coat So next time you’re looking for your next date night, jump in the car, challenge your partner to a thrift off and enjoy long walks through Goodwill, hand in hand.
Nick and Grace in their final Thrift Off Outfits Courtesy of Shannon Black
Goodwill Industries of Alberta Contributor
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A Goodwill Guitar
MEDIA RELEASE
Press Release & Media Availability
Guitar made of pencil crayons comes to Goodwill
Edmonton AB (January 29, 2020) – Sometimes the Goodwill hunt is inspired by your imagination. This is exactly what happened to a retired inner-city elementary teacher. Bryan Rosychuk recently built something unique using only items he found at Goodwill.
Rosychuk built TWO custom-made guitars using pencil crayons and items he found at Goodwill retail outlets in Alberta. All pieces (aside from one tiny piece) were bought within the various retail locations and built at home. It took Rosychuk months to source out the materials and build the guitars. Rosychuk sourced out 1200 Laurention/Crayola pencil crayons and cut them down to 1¾”.
His love and admiration for Goodwill didn’t stop there either. He has even written and performed TWO songs for Goodwill with his big hit titled “Goodwill Special.” (Based off the very popular Goodnight Special by CCR).
These guitars are fully functional, so, Rosychuk performed LIVE at the Goodwill Edmonton SouthPark Retail Store and Donation Centre, #180, 3803 Calgary Trail NW, on Wednesday January 29th.
President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Alberta believes what Bryan has created is truly amazing.
“Imagine re-purposing 1200 pencil crayons and other materials to build such an incredible creation. And to be informed the ‘pencil crayon guitar’ is a guitar that can actually be played!”
Rosychuk indicates that his inspiration for this project is what Goodwill provides to Albertans with disabilities and the communities Goodwill serves every day. It is his love and respect for the Goodwill mandate and mission of helping people with disabilities, to find and gain meaningful employment.
Monaghan continues, “One can say that this is a two-way street of inspiration! Goodwill proudly accepts the donation of one of these ‘pencil crayon guitars’ to showcase for decades, the generosity of Mr. Rosychuk and Goodwill’s generosity connection to the communities we serve.”
This pencil crayon guitar has become such a smashing hit, that it was even covered by media throughout the Edmonton region, including CBC Edmonton, CTV Edmonton, the Edmonton Journal and Global News Edmonton.
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For further media inquiries about Goodwill Industries of Alberta please contact:
Doug Roxburgh
Manager of Brand Integrity and Marketing
Goodwill Industries of Alberta
#178, 3803 Calgary Trail NW
Edmonton, Alberta T6J 5M8
Telephone: 780-944-1414 Extension 81043
Cell: 587-778-0324
Email: droxburgh@goodwill.ab.ca -
Making a Positive Impact
The Amazing Edmonton Impact Centre and Outlet Store
Since 2017, the Goodwill Impact Centre and Outlet Store has gone from 14 employees to over 50 — and with that growth comes a greener province.
CBC Edmonton Story
“This is the amazing Edmonton Impact Centre and it’s a one of a kind in Western Canada… It basically just gives items an opportunity at a second chance at a new home,” manager of marketing Doug Roxburgh said.
Instead of seeing thousands of unpurchased items end up in the dump, a great effort is put forward to restore them.
“We initiated the sustainability action plan where we take T-shirts [and] towels and we upcycle them into cleaning cloths. We take broken furniture and upcycle them and repurpose them, refurbish them to amazing pieces you can take home and use in your kitchen, in your house, in your living room,” Roxburgh said.Global Edmonton Story
It’s an initiative that has resonated with customers and has created a unique thrift experience.
Where shoppers see affordable shoes, furniture and household items, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Alberta Dale Monaghan, sees a “dream and vision for a centre of excellence.”
“We’re offering sustainability, environmental stewardship and unprecedented job training for Albertans with disabilities,” says Monaghan.
Thirty per cent of Goodwill Alberta’s 800 workers report having some form of disability.
Sustainability Action Plan
Goodwill Alberta is setting records at all levels and is eyeing expansion into Calgary, hoping to add an impact centre within two years. The dream of bringing a facility like this to Calgary has happened because of the amazing success in Edmonton.
For three decades the Alberta Emerald Foundation has been recognizing green initiatives and executive director Gregory Caswell believes the Edmonton Impact Centre has raised the bar for environmental practices in the industry.
Mortimer Capriles, Director of Sustainability and innovation for Goodwill Alberta, loves to see shoppers coming through the doors.
“When you buy here, you’re automatically diverting these items from the landfill and that is why this is such a great concept that we have in place in Edmonton.”
But if the bargain hunters don’t snap the items up, Capriles points to the centre’s robust recycle, reuse, repurpose operation.
“Ninety per cent of the items we receive at the Impact Centre are being diverted from the landfill and we’re really proud of that fact,” he said.
A Unique Thrifting Experience
Items are put out every 25 minutes, and products that go unsold will go into Goodwill’s Sustainability Action Plan — a cycle of recycling Goodwill hopes will have a positive impact for Edmontonians and the environment.
Almost everything at the centre is sold by weight with a pound costing a $1.95 up to 50 pounds with the price getting cheaper with the more you buy.
The Goodwill Impact Centre and Outlet Store is located 11415 168 St. N.W.
Excerpts are taken from Global Edmonton and CBC Edmonton.
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Special Meeting of the Society
January 24, 2020 – Edmonton, Alberta
A special meeting for the Society of Goodwill Industries of Alberta will be taking place on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. Please see below for details:
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY of GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF ALBERTA
8:00 PM – Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Goodwill Boardroom SouthPark
#178, 3803 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton
Regarding proposed amendments to the Bylaws.
For further information please contact Laurie Christiansen:
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Rare Sealskin Parka Donated to Goodwill
A Rare Goodwill Find
January 9, 2020 – Edmonton, Alberta
A sealskin coat dropped off at Goodwill Alberta’s location on Whyte Avenue last week will be preserved for its historical significance. For all the media details, please see the following feeds from CBC, CTV and Global News.
CBC Sealskin Jacket found on Whyte Ave. at Goodwill
Rare Sealskin Parka donated to Goodwill
http://globalnews.ca/news/6377325/edmonton-goodwill-donation-vintage-sealskin-parka/
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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.
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Tax Free Since 1963
When you shop or donate at Goodwill, GOOD things happen. You create employment opportunities for those with disabilities, giving people a purpose through the power of work. You successfully divert items from the landfill giving regular household items, clothes or otherwise, a second chance at a new life, a new beginning. Finally (and here’s the most important factor when it comes to YOUR wallet), you DO NOT pay any GST on used items!
That’s right, when you shop at Goodwill, our store is GST-FREE and has been since 1963!
As a not-for-profit, we have to disclose our finances every year and any profit that we may make MUST go back into our organization and help those with disabilities find and gain meaningful employment. This also means that as a shopper, when you support a not-for-profit, you do not have to pay the GST!
We want to ensure, that when you are the hunt for that one special outfit, for that one special moment, that you should remember, the price shown is the price. There is no hidden agenda, no hidden fees, no hidden taxes. Keep an eye out for any special tag sale as well, because if you see something on sale for 50% off, THERE IS STILL NO TAX!
So think about this when you decide to visit your nearest thrift store. Your money is going to GOOD…and you’re saving at the same time.
Do your part and do what’s best for you and your community. Shop at Goodwill.
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Halloween Look Book: Going Retro
Halloween Look Book: Going Retro
We’ve got your Halloween costume sorted at Goodwill Alberta. If you need a quick solution, we have ready-to-wear outfits and accessories for your convenience, but where’s the fun in that! October 31st is the chance to get crafty and creative. We’ve produced a Halloween Look Book available at all our stores to guide you in your DIY endeavors.
Take inspiration from eras gone by with these easy to build retro costume ideas.
1920s Glamour
The 1920s Flapper Girl is synonymous with fun and frivolity. Choosing this as your Halloween costume is the perfect opportunity to get glamourous. You can achieve this look by finding a knee-length evening dress, some long evening gloves and adding some strings of pearls. A feather boa or a home-made feather headdress will be the last thing you need to get ready for the Charleston.
Slave To The Rhythm
Always wanted to be able to breakdance, but don’t have the moves? This Halloween, you can still channel your inner breakdancer by heading back to the 80s origins. Find a windbreaker, sports jacket or oversized an denim jacket. Complete the look with accessories like a hat or some chains. Last but not least: no break dancer is complete without their boom box!
Industrial Victorian
Steampunk is inspired by the Victorian era. Think Victorian fashion mixed with aviation and industrial influences. Start off with a basic long skirt, long leather boots, ruffled skirts, and structured jackets. Then you can go wild with accessories from goggles and hats to canes and lace.
Video game Nostalgia
Did you have a favourite video game character as a kid? Relive your childhood as Mario and Luigi with this super simple costume idea. All you need are overalls plus red and green tees with matching hats. No one will need to guess who you came to the party as. Don’t forget to stick on a mustache (or grow one!).
Find more inspiration for your Halloween Goodwill costume shopping in our Halloween Look Book, available to download and in all our stores. Share your costumes using the hashtag #GoodwillHalloween.
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Halloween Look Book: Inspired by the Big Screen
Halloween Look Book: Inspired by the Big Screen
We’ve got your Halloween costume sorted at Goodwill Alberta. If you need a quick solution, we have ready-to-wear outfits and accessories for your convenience, but where’s the fun in that! October 31st is the chance to get crafty and creative. We’ve produced a Halloween Look Book available at all our stores to guide you in your DIY endeavors.
Be inspired by the big screen with these easy to build costume ideas from your favourite films and TV shows.
Join The Gang
Cult 80s classic, The Breakfast Club is as popular today as it ever was. Grab your friends, assign everyone a character and then head to your nearest Goodwill to search for your 80s attire. Are you going to be Molly Ringwald’s character, Claire? Look for white sneakers, chinos, and a pink shirt. Maybe you’d rather be the rebel of the group? Look for an oversized denim jacket, a red plaid shirt and, of course, some sunglasses for ultimate attitude!
May The Force Be With You
With the Star Wars franchise growing each year, there are more and more characters for you to dress up as. This idea is perfect for getting the kids involved! To reinvent yourself as the heroine, Rey, look for boots, belts, and linen to layer over a basic t-shirt and leggings. For other characters, you can find or create key items from their wardrobe to ensure you are unmistakably from a galaxy far, far away. Think old curtains for a cape, an oversized white shirt for layering with a belt or the iconic Hans Solo down zip vest.
Grease Lightning
The characters from Grease‘s Rydell High are timeless favourites for Halloween costumes. Become a T-Bird in minutes by hunting for a leather jacket, dark jeans and a white tee. For Pink Ladies, look for leather or pink jackets teamed with a black tee and black trousers.
Stranger Things
The cast of Stranger Things are the new favourites in the Halloween fancy dress game. You can disguise yourself as Eleven by finding a pink dress, a blonde wig and picking up a packet of her favourite snack, Eggos. Fans of the show will spot you straight away if you decide to be the wall (if you know, you know), complete with twinkle lights and a letter board.
Wakanda Forever
Marvel’s Black Panther was a box office smash hit making it one the most popular movies of 2018. Lots of people will be getting ready to become a Wakandan for Halloween, and you can too!
Down The Rabbit Hole
Grab your friends or just choose your favourite character to recreate from Alice in Wonderland. Whether you want to be a Mad Hatter in a large top hat and colourful blazer or you decide to be Alice with a blue dress and a white apron, everyone will know exactly who you came to the party dressed as!
Find more inspiration for your Halloween Goodwill costume shopping in our Halloween Look Book, available to download and in all our stores. Share your costumes using the hashtag #GoodwillHalloween.
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Halloween Look Book: One For The Kids
Halloween Look Book: One For The Kids
We’ve got your Halloween costume sorted at Goodwill Alberta. If you need a quick solution, we have ready-to-wear outfits and accessories for your convenience, but where’s the fun in that! October 31st is the chance to get crafty and creative. We’ve produced a Halloween Look Book available at all our stores to guide you in your DIY endeavors.
Be inspired by ideas for creating some awesome costumes with your kids no matter what their age!
Wish You Were Here
This one’s great way to involve all the family and you can get this ready in minutes. Start by browsing the racks of Goodwill for colourful, bright, floral shirts. Then go on the hunt for all the holiday accessories you can think of: straw hats, flip-flops, fanny packs, sunglasses. The only thing we can’t promise you’ll find is warm weather!
Halloween Experiment
Ever wondered if your kids might be crazy? This Halloween, they can have fun as a mad scientist. Once you’ve found a white jacket or coat (you can also use an over-sized white shirt), add rubber gloves and some large glasses or googles. To embrace the character fully, see if you can find a wacky wig!
Disaster At The Beach
If all else fails, you can dress your baby up in an adorable costume, right? For this group outfit, you can use any beach accessories to hand. If you can’t find a shark costume, here’s an easy tutorial to make your own shark using a hoodie and thrifted material! Don’t swim too deep …
Undercover Madness
“Code 9. I repeat, code 9!”. Go undercover this Halloween as a secret agent or bodyguard. It’s likely you’ll have a lot of these items in your kid’s wardrobe already, and anything you’re missing can be easily found at a Goodwill store. It’s important to keep it dark, and mysterious. That means finding a dark suit, dark sunglasses, a dark tie, and dark shoes. Top it off with a homemade badge and you’re ready for the first mission!
Home On The Range
This is probably the comfiest costume you could choose this year. As long as you have the basic overalls and plaid shirt, the rest is yours to get creative with. Maybe you’ll choose a straw hat or some boots? Either way, your child will love being able to bring their stuffed farm animals along trick-or-treating!
Wonder Girls
This is the perfect matching mother-daughter costume and the look can be achieved with just boots, a blue skirt, a red top and some gold material! Turn yourselves from Diana Prince into Wonder Woman by adding a gold belt and creating some gold arm cuffs. Girl power!
Find more inspiration for your Halloween Goodwill costume shopping in our Halloween Look Book, available to download and in all our stores. Share your costumes using the hashtag #GoodwillHalloween.
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End of Season Sale, September 1-3rd. How To Keep Enjoying Summer
Our End of Season Sale runs from September 1-3rd at all Goodwill locations in Alberta!
Summer isn’t over yet, but the mornings are starting to get a bit cooler and the kids go back to school soon. So we’re gearing up for autumn at Goodwill. This long weekend (September 1-3) we’re excited to be running an end of season sale on all our summer items to make room for all our autumn stock. Why not use the opportunity to grab a thrifted bargain and enjoy your new thrift store finds in the last warm days of September. With 50% off shorts, capris, sleeveless and short sleeve tops, bathing suits, summer dresses, summer hats, sandals and sunglasses for men, women, and children – what’s not to love?
Find a store to shop the end of season sale!
Whilst we might be changing over the seasons in Goodwill, there’s still plenty of ways to enjoy the rest of the warm !weather in Alberta and show off the new summer #GoodwillFinds you purchased at half price. Here are our favourite events running this September.
1. Drumbeats: Laser, Light and Water Show
Where: Drumheller
When: August 31 – September 2
What: The world premiere of DRUMBEATS – a spectacular laser, light and water show for the whole family brought to you by Montreal’s own Laser Quantum who has been producing award-winning water and laser shows for the past 25 years.
2. Calgary Highland Games
Where: Calgary
When: September 1
What: The Calgary Highland Games is 105 years old this year, making it one of the oldest gatherings in North America. The games attract competitors and spectators from across Western Canada and the USA and you will watch some of the world’s top pipers, drummers, dancers, and heavy event athletes compete and perform.
3. Alberta Culture Days
Where: All across Alberta
When: September 28-30
What: Part of the three-day National Culture Days, Alberta Culture Days is an opportunity for Albertans to discover, experience and celebrate arts and culture through local events and activities across the province. With more than 800 communities participating nationally, it’s designed to increase awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities.
4. Art Walk, St.Albert
Where: St. Albert
When: September 6
What: Art Walk is a great family-friendly evening event to explore local art, meet the artists and perhaps even purchase something unique for your home. A perfect way to explore the downtown area.
5. SONiC Field Day
Where: Edmonton
When: September 8
What: This one-day music festival is a hot event for rock music lovers. This year the line up features big names like the Arkells and Jimmy Eat World, Cold War Kids, Dear Rouge, Black Pistol Fire, Grandson, and Modern Space.
