Goodwill Industries of Alberta (Registered Society)
Goodwill Industries of Alberta (Registered Society) is a Canadian nonprofit organization and registered charity (Business Number: 118941764RR0001) dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through employment opportunities and community engagement. Founded in 1963 as the Edmonton Rehabilitation Society (ERS), it adopted the Goodwill name later that year and has since expanded its services across Alberta[3].

Mission and Programs
The organization operates as a social enterprise, offering vocational training, employment placements, and inclusive work environments for Albertans facing barriers to employment. Its core mission centers on enhancing lives through sustainable thrift retail operations, which fund its employment programs while diverting millions of kilograms of donated goods from landfills annually[1][2].

Environmental Impact
Goodwill’s sustainability efforts include diverting over 16 million kilograms of donated items from landfills each year through its thrift retail network, aligning with its Sustainability Action Plan. This initiative reduces environmental waste while creating jobs for individuals with disabilities[1][4].

Historical Milestones

• 1963: Established as the Edmonton Rehabilitation Society and rebranded as Goodwill[3].
• 1995: Launched the “Power of Work” program to serve 150 participants annually[3].
• 2001: Expanded operations to Calgary and Grande Prairie[3].
• 2008: Diverted 14.8 million pounds of goods from landfills and reported 15,290 volunteer hours by program participants[3].
• 2017: Continued accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), reflecting its commitment to service quality[3].

Operational Model
As a thrift retailer, Goodwill operates donation centers and retail stores to fund its employment initiatives. Its model emphasizes circular economy principles, repurposing donated goods to support workforce development[2][4]. The organization holds multiple accreditations, including CARF certifications spanning over two decades[3].

Recognition
Goodwill Industries of Alberta has been recognized for its dual focus on social impact and environmental stewardship, receiving accolades for innovative programming and sustainable practices[2][4].