Power of Work Awards

Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes recognizes and rewards the outstanding achievements of our team members at our annual Power of Work Awards.

This year’s Power of Work Awards event is hitting the road and coming to Kitchener for our in-person live event! Join us at the Kitchener Public Library on September 23rd. As Goodwill continues to grow across the province, it’s important our employee appreciation event is accessible for team members in different regions.

We want everyone to have a chance to celebrate and participate! The event will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person, with virtual party kits provided for team viewing parties at Goodwill locations.

When: Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026

Where: Kitchener Public Library ( 85 Queen Street North, Kitchener, ON)

5:00 pm – Social Hour (food and drink available)
6:00 pm – Power of Work Awards Ceremony
7:00 to 7:30 pm – Social time (coffee and desserts available)

2026 Award Categories & Criteria

Achiever of the Year Award [$200 CASH PRIZE, Plaque and Certificate of Recognition]

· A Goodwill team member who consistently demonstrates strong performance and a high level of commitment to their role and to the success of Goodwill.

· Actively invests in ongoing personal and professional growth by seeking opportunities to learn, develop new skills, and continuously improve.

· Serves as a positive and motivating influence on others by encouraging growth, embracing change, and supporting a culture of learning, adaptability, and shared success.

· Demonstrates our values (mission-driven impact, inclusion, dignity, compassion, resilience, and accountability) in their day-to-day work.

· Will be asked to participate in sharing their story via video shared during the POWA ceremony.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Impact Award  [Plaque and Certificate of Recognition]

· Goodwill team member or team that has demonstrated leadership in creating and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging to foster a culture of respect for all Goodwill employees, customers, clients and community members.

· Demonstrates workplace and community allyship by interrupting harm to historically marginalized people.

· Committed to personal and professional development.

· Demonstrates bold allyship through support and advocacy.

· Exhibits our value of inclusion in their day-to-day work.

Graduate of the Year Award [$200 CASH PRIZE, Plaque and Certificate of Recognition]

· Individual who graduated or moved on from Goodwill services or employment at Goodwill and is now employed outside of Goodwill or has advanced within the organization.

· Demonstrates the use of Goodwill tools and resources, and skills-building programs for personal and professional development.

· Exhibits a passion for learning and personal and professional development, and openness to feedback.

· Demonstrates our value of mission-driven impact in their day-to-day work.

· Will be asked to participate in sharing their story via video shared during the POWA ceremony.

Innovation Award [Plaque and Certificate of Recognition]

· Goodwill team member or team that developed or advanced an innovative idea or solution that was either within, or outside of their formal role, challenged the status quo, or approached a problem in a new or creative way.

· Made a clear and measurable impact by improving a process, solving a problem, increasing efficiency, or making something work better for Goodwill, its teams, or the community.

· Demonstrates resilience by persisting through challenges, learning from setbacks, and adapting their idea to achieve a positive outcome.

· Positively influenced others through collaboration, trust, and ethical leadership, contributing to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement at Goodwill.

Safety Champion Award [$20 cash prize and Certificate of Recognition]

· One Goodwill team member from each department or location who is proactive in identifying hazards and improving safety practices.

· Leads by example and positively influences others to work safely.

· Demonstrates accountability and care for the well‑being of colleagues.

· Contributes ideas or actions that improve the overall safety culture of Goodwill.

Sustainability & Circularity Award [$200 CASH PRIZE, Plaque and Certificate of Recognition]

· Goodwill team member or team that took initiative to introduce, improve, or consistently apply a sustainability or circularity practice at Goodwill. This may include reuse, waste reduction, resource efficiency, responsible purchasing, or improving how goods, services, or processes are used.

· Demonstrates accountability by taking ownership for actions and results, following through on commitments, sharing results, and making responsible decisions that consider people, resources, and long‑term impact.

· Positively influences others by building awareness or encouraging more responsible behaviours among team members, donors, customers, or the community.

· Supports Goodwill’s mission by using resources responsibly while continuing to serve communities and create opportunities through the power of work.

· Will be asked to participate in sharing their story via video shared during the POWA ceremony.

Spirit Award [$20 cash prize and Certificate of Recognition]

· One Goodwill team member from each department or location who consistently demonstrates Goodwill spirit by actively living one or more of our core values (mission-driven impact, inclusion, dignity, compassion, resilience, and accountability) in their day-to-day work.

· Demonstrates respect for others, collaborates effectively as a team player, and contributes positively to an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive workplace for team members, customers, clients, and donors alike.

· Leads by example through positive attitude, professionalism, and integrity, helping to strengthen workplace culture and reinforce Goodwill’s mission and values across their department or location.

RoundUp Community Impact Store Award [$250 towards each store’s Social Committee Budget and Store-level Recognition]

· Awarded to the store team with the highest percentage of transactions that are rounded up for their region in the month of June

· Are not determined by nomination

· Will be honoured for exemplifying our value of mission-driven impact by providing the community with an opportunity to fund our mission programs

· Engage their community by informing them of Goodwill’s mission and how they can contribute to strengthening lives and communities through the power of work

Mission Advancement Award [Plaque and Certificate of Recognition]

· A Goodwill team member or volunteer that has created a new or improved program, service, process that further strengthens Goodwill’s mission of strengthening people and communities through the power of work.

· Their contribution has made a lasting impact on Goodwill’s ability to fulfill its mission.

· Demonstrates our values of compassion and dignity in their day-to-day work.

Questions? Email [email protected]

2025 POWA Recipients