Goodwill Industries of Alberta

Tag: why donate

  • Spring Cleaning and Donating to Goodwill

    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

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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.
    6. 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.
    7. 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.
    2
    Spring Cleaning and Donating to Goodwill 4

    Key Donation Facts

    1. Goodwill received over 850,000 individual donations in 2023, contributing more to our mission services than ever before!
    2. Goodwill diverted over 19million kg’s from landfills in Alberta in 2023.
    3. Hundreds of individuals are served by and with our organization each year and it’s all thanks to donated goods.
    4. According to recent surveys, Goodwill is the preferred place to donate, due to being a Non-Profit organization, with a commitment to Sustainability.
    5. 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.
    1
    Spring Cleaning and Donating to Goodwill 5

    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.

  • Goodwill Week 2023

    Goodwill Week 2023

    What is Goodwill Week?

    Goodwill Week is an annual event celebrated by Goodwill Industries of Alberta, a nonprofit organization providing job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs for people with disabilities or barriers to the workplace.

    In Alberta, Goodwill Week is observed in the first week of May. This is a time to recognize the contributions of its supporters and volunteers, as well as the achievements of the people we serve.

    In 1902 Methodist minister Edgar J. Helms founded the first Goodwill in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1902. Helms had the idea of collecting unwanted items from wealthy neighborhoods and using the proceeds from their sale to fund job training programs for people in need. Today, Goodwill Industries International has grown into a global organization with over 160 independent, community-based organizations around the world.

    Since inception in 1963, Goodwill Industries of Alberta has grown into one of the largest and most respected social enterprises in the province. Goodwill Industries of Alberta operates 15 retail stores and 27 donation centers, employing about 1,000 people. The organization also provides training and employment programs, such as job coaching, resume writing, and interview skills workshops, to over thousands of Albertans each year.

    CISN Country morning show Matt Debeurs and Chris Scheetz

    Events

    During Goodwill Week, a variety of events and activities take place to raise awareness of its programs, celebrating the contributions of its supporters and volunteers. These events include:

    1. Proclamations: Mayors from across the province recognize the positive impact Goodwill makes each and every year in Alberta.
    2. Achievement Celebrations: Recognizing the achievements of the people who work at and participate in Goodwill Industries of Alberta’s training and employment programs. Participants are invited to a special event where they can share their stories of success and receive recognition for their hard work.
    3. Mission Success: Stories from across the social enterprise, sharing the success and value of Goodwill in Alberta.
    4. Donor Appreciation: Recognizing the individuals and businesses that donate items to Goodwill Industries of Alberta.
    5. Volunteer Recognition: These are the achievements of the people who have participated in Goodwill Industries of Alberta’s training and employment programs. Participants are invited to a special event where stories are shared, of success and while receiving recognition for their hard work.

    In addition to the events and activities mentioned earlier, there are also several landmarks in Alberta that participate in Goodwill Week by lighting up BLUE, which is the official color of Goodwill Industries of Alberta.

    Sundial in Grande Prairie lit blue for Goodwill Week
    Goodwill Week 2023 8
    1. The Calgary Tower and the Reconciliation Bridge is lit blue on May 3.
    2. The City Centre 2000 Sundial in Grande Prairie is also lit blue from May 1-5.
    3. In Edmonton, the High Level Bridge is lit blue on May 9th.

    These landmarks play an important role in raising awareness of Goodwill Week and the work of Goodwill Industries of Alberta. The blue lighting serves as a symbol of support for the organization and its mission to provide job training and employment services to individuals who face barriers to employment.

    The lighting also serves as a reminder of the contributions made by supporters and volunteers, as well as the achievements of the people who have participated in Goodwill Industries of Alberta’s programs.

    CTV Emily Olsen donating to Goodwill

    Donating

    Donating to Goodwill Industries of Alberta is an important way to support our organization’s mission and the community. By donating gently used items such as clothing, furniture, and electronics, individuals can help Goodwill provide job training and employment services to Albertans who face barriers to employment.

    Donating to Goodwill also has a positive impact on the environment by keeping items out of landfills and reducing waste. Goodwill Industries of Alberta is promoting sustainability creating a more environmentally friendly future by giving items a second home.

    Goodwill Week is an important time to highlight the impact of donations and to encourage people to give back to their community. Whether it’s through donating items or volunteering time, everyone can play a role in supporting the work of Goodwill Industries of Alberta.

    60 Years of GOOD

    Since 1963, Goodwill has helped provide meaningful employment for those with disabilities and barriers to the workforce.

    From the very first Goodwill store on 103rd avenue in downtown Edmonton, to more than a dozen retail stores across Alberta, Goodwill is striving to make a positive impact in our province.

    This is possible because of the amazing donations of clothing or used household items by people like you each and every year.

    For 60 years, your donated shirt is giving people like Andre a chance to enhance their job skills.

    For 60 years, your donated coffee mugs are giving people like Shelly an opportunity to contribute back to the community.

    For 60 years, your donated records are giving people like Justin a chance to fulfill their dreams.

    For 60 years, Goodwill is providing opportunity, service and GOOD.

    Thank you for making a difference by donating to Goodwill and continuing our mission of helping those with disabilities and barriers an opportunity to find and gain meaningful employment.