For Immediate Release
Thursday, June 19, 2008

REBUILDING VALUE IN THE COMMUNITY:

GOODWILL REOPENS COMMUNITY STORE IN ETOBICOKE THAT WAS DAMAGED BY FIRE

TORONTO, June 19th, 2008 - Goodwill is helping strengthen the Etobicoke community by reopening its community store at Dundas and Islington. On June 19th, 2008 Goodwill will be hosting the reopening of the Goodwill Community Store, located at 4975 Dundas St. W. Doors will open at 9:00 a.m.

Goodwill's decision to reopen its community store in Etobicoke is evidence of its continual commitment to create jobs for people in the surrounding area who face employment barriers. For 10 years Goodwill has worked with the Etobicoke community, providing access to employment and a safe place for the community to meet, donate and shop.

“The sense of loss felt by many of our donors, customers and employees due to the fire is a testament of the importance of this vibrant community centre,” says Dr. Ken Connelly, President and CEO of Goodwill. “To many, Goodwill is a place they can feel welcome and safe”

The community store, which was damaged by a fire on October 28th, 2007, left many donors and customers without a place to shop or donate. The renewed store offers enhanced features such as improved lighting, brighter signs and a fresh new approach to retailing. There will be lots of new items including designer labels, collectables and antiques.

The renewed Goodwill community store will welcome back its staff as well as 10 Goodwill REACH^TM employees.

Goodwill REACH^TM offers paid employment to members of the community who face barriers to employment including youth at risk, persons with disabilities, the chronically unemployed, Aboriginal people and newcomers to Canada.

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, giving people much-needed paid work experience.

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Media Contacts:

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