On December 4, Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes welcomed leaders and employees from RBC to the Goodwill White Oak Impact Centre in London, Ontario, marking the announcement of RBC Foundation’s renewed support for Goodwill’s WorkFirst program. The event highlighted RBC Foundation’s $525,000 commitment which will help expand WorkFirst into Goodwill’s social enterprises across Southwestern Ontario, equipping people with skills for a thriving future and driving more inclusive opportunities for prosperity.

During the visit, RBC representatives toured the facility, observed job opportunities created through the program, and engaged in discussions with job coaches about how WorkFirst is positively impacting employees’ learning, skill development, life stabilization, and workforce growth. The collaboration between Goodwill and RBC Foundation has continued to advance and grow the program, positioning WorkFirst as a sector-leading model for inclusive employment.

The renewed funding aims to help impact over two thousand employees over the next three years, supporting 875 new paid employment opportunities for those facing systemic, personal, or social barriers to employment. Annually, at least 20% of these employees are expected to advance into career-aligned roles, leveraging the skills and experience gained through WorkFirst. The program will also strengthen supports by hiring five new employee coaches, providing life stabilization support, access to mental health services, and pathways to recognized credentials.

View full media release.

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Shown in pictures: Naz Nazari (Chief Financial Officer – Goodwill OGL), Tanja Wilkins (RVP, London-St. Thomas – RBC), Shelley Kuzma (Director, Fund Development & Strategic Partnerships – Goodwill OGL), Stephen Mattis (VP, Commercial Banking, London-St. Thomas – RBC), Joron Juranic (Regional Director, Marketing & Citizenship, SWO – RBC), Hailey Vezina (Employee Coach – Goodwill OGL), Mary Ellen Matsui (Chief Mission Advancement Officer – Goodwill OGL), Bobbi Morton (Employee Coach & Program Supervisor – Goodwill OGL), Lisa Brisindi (Employee Coach – Goodwill OGL), Valentina Vasquez (Employee Coach – Goodwill OGL), Mark Peckham (Director, Corporate Client Group – RBC), Michelle Ibbotson (Employee Coach – Goodwill OGL), Jenny Calder (Regional Manager, Social Impact, SWO – RBC), Laura Hilton (RVP, Lambton-Kent – RBC), Bev Kobe (President & CEO – Goodwill OGL).