Goodwill Industries of Alberta
Goodwill Industries of Alberta's mission is to empower individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment by providing opportunities to develop skills, gain confidence, and secure meaningful work. In 2025, this commitment translated into measurable impact across communities we serve.
Through our programs, 281 individuals accessed training and employment supports through our Persons with Developmental Disabilities programming, designed to build independence and long-term success. Our focus on inclusive employment resulted in 43 individuals securing new paid positions, reflecting both the readiness of participants and the effectiveness of our employer partnerships. In total, Goodwill established 160 NEW employer partnerships in 2025, expanding opportunities for individuals and strengthening connections with businesses committed to inclusive hiring.
Learning and skill development remained at the heart of our approach, with 665 workshops delivered throughout the year. These workshops provided practical training, workplace readiness skills, and confidence-building experiences that support individuals at every stage of their employment journey.
Together, these outcomes demonstrate the strength of Goodwill's mission in action: creating opportunities, advancing inclusion, and helping individuals build brighter futures through the power of work.
Goodwill Cares is a cornerstone program at Goodwill Industries of Alberta, reflecting the organization's commitment to supporting the well-being of its team members. Funded entirely through the Round-Up initiative, where customers choose to round up their purchases at the point of sale, the program demonstrates how everyday generosity translates into meaningful, direct support for employees.
Available to all Goodwill team members, Goodwill Cares provides personalized assistance through dedicated navigators who connect individuals to resources and services tailored to their needs. In 2025, 1,298 team members accessed the program, underscoring its importance across the organization.
Navigators played a critical role in delivering this support, contributing 7,120 hours of service throughout the year. Their work led to the development of 256 individualized care plans, helping team members address a range of needs including financial stability, wellness, and access to community supports.
An employee recently shared their experience of coming out as transgender in the workplace after more than a year with the organization. While they had previously hesitated due to past experiences, they described receiving overwhelming support from team members and leadership once they felt ready to share their authentic identity. With the support of their supervisor, they were able to update their name/pronouns and were also connected to community resources to support their journey. They expressed deep gratitude for the understanding and encouragement they received, noting that this environment gave them the confidence to move forward. Their experience reflects Goodwill's ongoing commitment to fostering a workplace where every individual feels respected, supported, and empowered to be their true self.
The Goodwill at Work Program is a dedicated department within Goodwill Industries of Alberta that creates meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. With a team of 52 members, the program focuses on building skills, fostering independence, and delivering high quality contract services for community and corporate partners.
In 2025, the team contributed to a diverse range of projects that combined social impact with environmental sustainability. For Suncor, team members assembled 11,927 bolt kits, while 1,164 solar panel bracket packages were completed for EECOL Electric, supporting the growth of clean energy infrastructure. The team also played a role in community outreach by delivering 41,682 TELUS promotional materials.
Environmental stewardship remained a key priority. Through the production of 9,060 packages of Goodwill Cleaning Cloths, made by repurposing donated textiles, 15,666 kilograms of material were diverted from landfills. The Repair for Good program further advanced circular economy efforts by refurbishing furniture, diverting 42,995 kilograms of material from waste streams. In partnership with YYC Rain Barrels, the program also transformed repurposed soda barrels into rain barrels, diverting an additional 13,220 kilograms from landfills.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate how the Goodwill at Work Program brings the mission to life by creating inclusive employment, supporting industry partners, and advancing environmental sustainability across Alberta.
Launched in March 2025, Re PURPOSE by GW is a sustainability-focused initiative that transforms donated denim into functional, high-quality products such as handbags and aprons. By giving new life to donated materials, the program reflects Goodwill Industries of Alberta's commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative reuse.
In its first year, the program produced 829 denim bags and 137 denim aprons, diverting more than 1,000 kilograms of textiles from landfills. Beyond its environmental impact, Re PURPOSE by GW creates meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, providing hands-on experience, skill development, and pathways to greater independence.
DEAM Connect, presented by Goodwill Industries of Alberta, is an inspiring annual event held each October in recognition of Disability Employment Awareness Month. It brings together leaders, advocates, employers, and community members to advance inclusive employment and celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce.
In 2025, the event featured powerful voices including Madison Tevlin, an internationally celebrated actress who has starred alongside Woody Harrelson, whose perspective challenged assumptions and highlighted the immense value of inclusive hiring.
DEAM Connect continues to serve as a catalyst for growth, learning, and action. It offers attendees the opportunity to deepen their understanding, build meaningful connections, and discover new ways to foster inclusion within their own organizations and communities.
In 2025, Goodwill Industries of Alberta introduced public graduation ceremonies to recognize individuals who have progressed through the Career Connections Program. This marked a meaningful shift from previous years, when participants received certificates of completion privately at their workplaces.
Two ceremonies were held during the year at the Whyte Avenue Mission Impact training area, bringing together graduates, families, and supporters to celebrate achievement in a more visible and community-oriented way. These events highlighted the confidence, skills, and personal growth participants gained through the program, while reinforcing Goodwill Alberta's commitment to advancing inclusive employment opportunities.
For graduates, these ceremonies represent far more than the completion of a program. They symbolize hope for the future, greater independence, and the confidence to take the next step in their employment journey. Graduation is a powerful milestone that recognizes not only the skills gained, but also the perseverance and resilience required to overcome barriers and build a path forward. One of the graduates in 2025 included Tyler, from Edmonton, who has seen his development improve dramatically through the Career Connections program. He volunteers regularly through the Goodwill Volunteer Hub, giving back to his community and creating time so he can regularly train and compete in the Special Olympics Alberta Summer and Winter Games. Tyler is going from co-dependence to independence all through the power of work and the dignity of a job.
The success of these inaugural ceremonies has established a strong foundation for future celebrations, with additional graduations planned in the years ahead as the program continues to grow and support individuals in achieving meaningful, sustainable employment.
Sustainability is central to the mission of Goodwill Industries of Alberta, reflecting a commitment to both environmental responsibility and community impact. By extending the life of donated goods and reducing waste, Goodwill plays an important role in supporting a more circular economy while creating opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment.
In 2025, this commitment resulted in 87% of all donated items being diverted from landfills, representing 23.8 million kilograms of materials reused or repurposed. An additional 1.6 million kilograms of items that could not be resold were recycled responsibly, further reducing environmental impact and supporting responsible resource management.
These efforts demonstrate the significant role second-hand shopping plays in sustainability. By choosing to donate and shop at Goodwill, customers directly contribute to waste reduction, lower carbon emissions, and a more sustainable future. Every purchase and donation helps keep usable items in circulation while supporting programs that empower individuals in the community.
Key partnerships continue to strengthen Goodwill Alberta's ability to innovate and expand its environmental impact. Collaborations with organizations such as Aquatera in Grande Prairie and Quantum Lifecycle in Sherwood Park enable more materials to be diverted from landfills through advanced recycling solutions and responsible processing practices.
Goodwill Industries of Alberta continues to strengthen its community impact through partnerships with healthcare institutions across the Edmonton region, including the Sturgeon General Hospital, University of Alberta Hospital, the Royal Alexandra Hospital, and the Edmonton Remand Centre.
Through this initiative, hospitals purchase gently used clothing at a reduced cost, which is then provided to patients who may have had their clothing damaged or are discharged without appropriate attire. In 2025, a total of 7,926 items were distributed through this program.
Through its partnership with Quantum Lifecycle, Goodwill Industries of Alberta continues to advance environmental sustainability while directly supporting its mission. In 2025, a total of 308,644 kilograms of electronics were responsibly recycled, generating $57,673 in revenue that was reinvested into mission programming. This collaboration was further recognized through the Circular 21 Award for emission avoidance — 638.9 tonnes of CO2e in GHG emissions were avoided.
Through its partnership with Aquatera in Grande Prairie, Goodwill Industries of Alberta continues to advance environmental sustainability by increasing the diversion of materials from landfill. In 2025, the impact was significant, with 1,091.85 cubic metres of landfill space saved — equivalent to diverting 9,099 standard 120-litre garbage bins from local landfills.
Goodwill Industries of Alberta continues to make donating more accessible and convenient for communities across the province through the strategic placement of 29 donation bins in 2025. Located primarily at eco stations and Habitat for Humanity ReStores, these bins are thoughtfully positioned to align with existing sustainability focused destinations.
Unlike typical donation bins placed in parking lots, Goodwill has intentionally avoided these locations to ensure every donation is handled with dignity, care, and respect.
In March 2025, Goodwill Industries of Alberta was honoured to receive a meaningful donation of old currency from a generous family who chose to turn a forgotten asset into renewed opportunity. The family shared that the funds would be better used supporting Goodwill's mission. This thoughtful contribution was converted to support mission programming, directly enabling employment and training opportunities for individuals facing barriers.
Through a meaningful partnership with Green Calgary, Goodwill Industries of Alberta's Repair for Good program is transforming large soda containers into functional rain barrels for community members. This innovative initiative extends the life of donated materials while promoting environmental sustainability and water conservation across local communities.
Through the TELUS STORYHIVE series Wonder Collective, young audiences are inspired through engaging, educational programming that highlights community impact and creativity. In one episode, Wonder Collective visited Goodwill Industries of Alberta's Impact Centre in Calgary, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what happens to donations after they are received.
Community support is foundational to the success and sustainability of Goodwill Industries of Alberta, directly enabling the organization to deliver on its mission. Through the collective efforts of donors, partners, and community participants, everyday contributions are transformed into meaningful employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers.
Throughout 2025, a wide range of community initiatives demonstrated the power of this support in action. Community group donation drives brought together schools, businesses, and local organizations, encouraging Albertans to contribute gently used goods while building awareness of Goodwill's mission. Larger scale partnerships, including donation drives and activations with the Edmonton Elks and KiSS 91.7 FM, helped extend this reach even further.
Goodwill's Impact Centres in Calgary and Edmonton also played a key role in connecting the public to the mission in a tangible way. Tours and educational events, such as circular economy presentations hosted at the Calgary Impact Centre, provided behind-the-scenes insight into how donations are sorted, repurposed, recycled, and ultimately transformed into funding for programs.
Signature programs like the Thrifting Hall of Fame also played an important role in recognizing and celebrating the community. By honouring individuals who champion thrifting, donating, and sustainable living, the initiative highlights how everyday actions contribute to a larger impact.
In 2025, Goodwill Industries of Alberta was proud to receive grant funding from a range of partners who share a commitment to building inclusive communities and expanding opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment. These contributions supported key initiatives across accessibility, programming, and community engagement, strengthening Goodwill's ability to deliver meaningful impact.
Support from the Alberta Employment First Network provided $2,500 toward the Disability Employment Awareness Month event in Edmonton. The Government of Canada's Enabling Accessibility Fund contributed $82,635 to enhance accessibility at the Trail and Westview locations. Additional funding from the Totem Community Foundation, totalling $5,000, enabled the purchase of tablets to support Career Connections workshops. The City of Edmonton also contributed $2,500 toward facility improvements.
In 2025, Goodwill Industries of Alberta was recognized with several prestigious awards, reflecting its leadership in marketing excellence, organizational culture, environmental stewardship, and inclusive employment.
The organization received the Alberta Business Award of Distinction for Marketing, recognizing not only the strength of its campaigns and community engagement, but also its commitment to authentic storytelling. Goodwill Alberta also maintained its standing as a leader in workplace culture through the renewal of the Waterstone Corporate Culture Award.
Further demonstrating its environmental leadership, Goodwill Alberta was named to the Circular 21 list for emission avoidance, presented by Quantum Lifecycle. In addition, Goodwill Alberta was honoured as a finalist in several respected award programs including the HR Awards for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, the Eco-Impact Community Award, the Sherwood Park Chamber of Commerce Leading Edge Award, and nationally as a finalist for the CharityVillage Awards in Best Non-Profit Employer, DEI, and as a semi-finalist for Workplace Wellness.
Goodwill Industries of Alberta's strength lies in its people, its purpose, and its deep connection to the communities it serves. In 2025, the organization continued to expand its reach, operating 39 donation centres, 14 retail stores, and 43 donation bin locations in partnership with Eco Stations and Habitat for Humanity. Across the province, more than 4,008,159 visits were made to Goodwill locations, reflecting strong and growing public support.
This engagement resulted in an all-time record of 1,003,997 donations, fueling both environmental impact and mission programs that create opportunity for individuals facing barriers to employment. Behind this success are 1,112 dedicated team members who bring Goodwill's mission to life every day.
Goodwill Alberta's workforce reflects the diversity and inclusivity at the heart of the organization. Twenty-five percent of team members have a self-disclosed disability, and 46% speak English as a second language, creating a workplace enriched by lived experience and diverse perspectives. With 57% of staff in full-time roles and an employee satisfaction rate of 81%, the organization continues to foster a supportive, stable, and purpose-driven environment. This culture is exemplified by the dedication of its people, including its longest-serving team member, who reached an inspiring milestone of 29 years of service in 2025.
The Board of Directors of Goodwill Industries of Alberta is composed of dedicated volunteers from communities across the province, each bringing diverse expertise and perspectives to their governance role. United by a shared commitment to Goodwill's mission, these individuals generously contribute their time, insight, and leadership. Their volunteer service reflects a deep connection to the communities we serve and a belief in creating meaningful employment opportunities for Albertans facing barriers.
Goodwill Industries of Alberta's financial strength is driven by the generosity of the communities we serve, with more than one million donations received in 2025. These contributions directly fuel our mission, supporting programs that create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers. With a strong commitment to stewardship, 93 percent of all revenues are reinvested into mission programming. This disciplined approach ensures that every donation delivers measurable impact across Alberta, strengthening communities and changing lives.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every donor, customer, volunteer, partner, and team member who has supported Goodwill Industries of Alberta throughout the year. Your generosity and belief in our mission make it possible to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers, empowering people to build independence, confidence, and purpose. Together, we have transformed more than donations into opportunity, strengthened communities, and advanced a more inclusive and sustainable future across Alberta.
This year has been one of growth, impact, and momentum, made possible by the collective commitment of those who stand behind our work. Every contribution, every purchase, and every act of support fuels programs that change lives and create lasting pathways to employment.
As we look ahead to the future, we do so with optimism and determination. With your continued support, we will build on this strong foundation to create even greater opportunities for Albertans facing barriers to employment. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey and for helping us shape a future defined by possibility, inclusion, and shared success.