For Immediate Release

Goodwill is On The Move
New Goodwill doors opening to better serve the community

TORONTO (April 25, 2005) – Tomorrow, as Goodwill says goodbye to its Jarvis and Adelaide stores, it celebrates three new Goodwill locations designed to better serve the needs of its employees, customers, the people who donate to this 70-year-old social enterprise and the community at large.
“There’s real excitement and a renewed sense of purpose as Goodwill opens up three new locations and begins a transformation that will ensure this organization can do a better job of giving jobs and opportunity to those who face barriers to being full and active members of our community,” said Dr. Ken Connelly, Goodwill President and CEO.

• Goodwill’s newest store, at 345 Bloor Street East at Sherbourne Street will be open to the public on April 30, 2005. The store at Jarvis closes on April 26.

- The new 345 Bloor St. E. store is in a mall location, close to the subway and transit lines, all on one floor and brighter and better organized, making it easier for Goodwill customers to find the bargains

-Goodwill’s new drive-through Donation Centre, at 231 Richmond Street East (corner of George & Richmond), will open on April 30. The current site closes end of day on April 29.

- The new drive-through Donation Centre, just around the corner from the current site, will offer convenience for people who want to reduce, reuse, recycle and support Goodwill as it delivers jobs and opportunities to the people who need them most.

Goodwill is on the Move/2

• Goodwill's new Community Outlet at 50 Emblem Court (near Midland Avenue and Hwy. 401) in Scarborough will be open to the public on May 2, 2005. The current depot and warehouse and Buy the Pound outlet store close on April 26.

- The new Scarborough location will allow Goodwill to establish a major recycling and processing hub for Toronto and serve a broader community with a new outlet store that will sell goods on a ‘buy the pound’ basis and offer paid employment opportunities for the people of the area.

Dr. Connelly noted that the changes at Goodwill will ensure the 70-year-old organization is better positioned to fulfill its mission to get more people in our communities working and contributing: “Today, Goodwill is operating with a new vision for workforce development, driven by a deeper understanding of how to help more people facing employment barriers to enter the work force each year through transitional employment opportunities.”

Goodwill is a registered charity whose mission is to provide work opportunities and skills development to people facing barriers to employment. Its operation of 47 retail outlets and donations centres and other lines of business is its means to deliver its mission throughout Greater Toronto, Central and Eastern Ontario. Goodwill is committed to creating 1,000 paid transitional jobs in Ontario by 2010.

Photo Op:
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
2 pm Cake cutting celebration for employees and customers
234 Adelaide St. East (at Jarvis St.)

Media Contact:
Mitzie Hunter, Goodwill Toronto, (416) 362-4711