Temporary Thrift Store and Donation Centre Closing

People helping people. Communities rallying in support of one another. Since 1963, community support has helped Goodwill become part of the fabric of Alberta, supporting Albertans with disabilities through the power of work and the dignity of a job.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, we have been carefully monitoring the progression of the situation and are closely adhering to the advice of Canada’s public health authorities.  We have aligned with their recommendations and have implemented numerous changes to our facilities, procedures and our protocols.

We are re-assuring you that there have been no cases of COVID-19 here at Goodwill and the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, shoppers and donors are of the utmost importance.

With this in mind, Goodwill Industries of Alberta has some difficult news.

As of March 21^st, Goodwill is temporarily closing store and donation centres throughout the province.

This is a temporary measure to ensure we continue to look out for our staff, people who frequent Goodwill and people with disabilities.

“This is not an easy decision, as our mandate is to provide employment opportunities and career development for those with disabilities,” says Kevin MacDonald, Chair of the Goodwill Board of Directors.

“Goodwill’s successful growth, fueled by the generosity of the community through donated clothing and used household goods, as well as those who shop within Goodwill’s retail outlets. Thanks to our community we have become an award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise, who is now one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in Alberta. Many of our team members, shoppers, volunteers and donors are our friends. They are our family. We understand this will affect many and we will work diligently to ensure no person is left behind.”

With the announcements from the Federal and Provincial governments in regards to economic measures in support of residents, businesses, not-for-profits and other organizations across the country, Goodwill is analyzing and understanding how our organization can work with levels of government to support Albertans and Canadians through this troubling time. These measures will include, but not limited to, sickness benefits, the Emergency Care Benefit, Employment Insurance and wage subsidies.

Goodwill would like to thank and publicly acknowledge the strength of leadership being demonstrated by Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Kenney, as well as the care and compassion of the medical officers and medical professionals across the country.

President and CEO, Dale Monaghan understands this is a very difficult with your loved ones and our community.

“Goodwill is strong. Goodwill be here today, tomorrow and into the future to champion career development and environment stewardship, as well as supporting our team, our clients with disabilities, our shoppers and our donors.”

Monaghan continues, “I cannot say thank you enough to the hundreds of thousands of Albertans who regularly support Goodwill. You continue to light the inspiration candle of so many, as together we change lives for the better, strengthening families and communities through the power of work and the dignity of a job.”