For Immediate Release
Monday, November 19, 2007

GOODWILL BEGINS REBUILDING AFTER ETOBICOKE STORE FIRE

TORONTO, November 19, 2007 – Goodwill Toronto plans to be back in business at its Etobicoke Community Store (4975 Dundas St. W. at Islington) despite the devastating fire that left a $1 million mess. Goodwill lays out its plan on all fronts to rebuild the store.

Goodwill has opened a temporary donation centre on the site. Goodwill is now searching a short-term retail location in the neighbourhood while the site is rebuilt; plans are now in the works to find a suitable site. Employees have been temporarily reallocated to other Goodwill stores.

“The Goodwill experience is a remarkable reality,” says Dr. Ken Connelly, President and CEO of Goodwill Toronto. “The importance of this community store echoes throughout the Etobicoke community, as it provides a safe place for marginalized individuals to work, meet and connect as citizens and as community members.”

Many donors, customers, employees and community members have expressed their shock and concern about the fire; the community support has been remarkable.

“By rebuilding this vital community store, we are, in effect, taking a proactive step to address violence, poverty and marginalization that is plaguing our cities and as of late, this community,” states Dr. Connelly. “Goodwill’s mission is to create work access and we believe that by creating employment, we provide an opportunity for people to positively contribute to their communities. The fire has only temporarily slowed down our efforts here, but the support we have received is tremendous and very encouraging.”

Goodwill really wants to remain in the neighbourhood and has already started to raise the much-needed financial support.  RBC Foundation immediately stepped forward with a $10,000 donation to help Goodwill accomplish its rebuilding goals.

“Goodwill is a very valuable community resource and RBC is pleased to kickstart the rebuilding fund so Goodwill can continue its important work in Etobicoke,” says Stephen Voisin, Executive Director, RBC Foundation.

Goodwill is seeking $500,000 in funding to recover damages to inventory, equipment and to support its employment initiatives.

Goodwill encourages the public to visit www.goodwill.on.ca or phone 416-362-4711 for monetary donations, more information or store and donation centre locations.

 About Goodwill

For media inquires, contact:
Mitzie Hunter, VP of External Relations
Tel: (416) 815-4751
E-mail: mhunter@goodwill.on.ca

Audrey Kim, Corporate Affairs Specialist
Tel: 416-815-4767
E-mail: akim@goodwill.on.ca