For Immediate Release
Monday, October 29, 2007

Fire at Goodwill Islington Store

Toronto, October 29, 2007 – On Sunday, October 28, 2007 at 11:50 p.m., fire officials were notified of a fire at the Goodwill Islington store, located at 4975 Dundas St. in Etobicoke.  Police and the fire department have determined arson as the cause of the fire. The Goodwill store suffered extensive damage, and as a result will remain closed until further notice.

“As a non-profit organization, donations are crucial. Goodwill depends on donations to fund its mission and employment initiative, such as Goodwill REACH™,” says Dr. Ken Connelly, President and CEO of Goodwill Toronto. “All revenue raised from the sale of donated merchandise and from monetary donations goes towards creating jobs for people facing serious employment barriers.”

The fire occurred during a very challenging time for Goodwill – a time when the organization is in desperate need to fund its mission.

“We have been in a serious financial bind and cannot afford to be closed. This fire will hinder Goodwill from continuing this important and vital work, which will be a setback for the whole community,” adds Dr. Connelly.  “This is lost revenue, and we need monetary assistance to repair the damages.”

Goodwill is in great need for financial support, as it works to quickly repair damages and tries to continue to support its mission. Goodwill donors and shoppers are encouraged to continue to donate and shop at their nearest Goodwill store and donation centre. Please visit our website at www.goodwill.on.ca for store and donation centre locations. To make a monetary donation, please phone 416-362-4711. For online donations, please visit www.goodwill.on.ca or go to your nearest Royal Bank and make a donation to account: 06012 – 1097252.

With your donations and monetary support, Goodwill will work with the community to rebuild. We will continue to create meaningful and sustainable work to achieve community health in all our communities.

About Goodwill:

Since 1935, Goodwill's mission is to create work opportunities and skills development for people facing barriers to employment, including persons with disabilities, youth at risk, the chronically unemployed, Aboriginal people and newcomers to Canada.  Our Community Stores sell a wide variety of donated goods, the revenues from which create jobs at Goodwill that give people much-needed paid work experience.

For media inquires, contact:

Carly Dunster
Director of Administration

Goodwill Industries of Toronto
365 Bloor Street East, 14th Floor
Toronto, ON M4W 3L4

Tel: 416-815-4807

cdunster@goodwill.on.ca