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.

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.

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.

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.