Changing lives and communities through the power of WORK since 1933

Reverend Edgar J. Helms of Morgan Methodist Chapel in Boston, Massachusetts started Goodwill as part of his ministry.

A group of individuals met in the basement of Central United Church in Sarnia to start a food hamper project that expanded into the formation of Sarnia Goodwill Industries, later known as Goodwill industries, Essex-Kent-Lambton.

Rev. Edgar J. Helms visited Sarnia to meet the Board of Directors to tour operations and meet with local community groups.

The first Goodwill retail store opens in Sarnia, Ontario… the beginnings of a social enterprise, fueling mission and programming.

London Goodwill Industries began in 1943 as a community-based, not-for-profit corporation when nine local social service agencies set up a used clothing store in London.

A popular, Hamilton organization that supported unemployed men with building skills, called 'Amity', shifts its mission to focus specifically on employment training. This is in response to a lack of support for people with disabilities post-WWII. They call themselves 'Amity Rehabilitation Centre', offering training in upholstery, cabinet work, electrical repair, sewing, and office skills. In just a few years, Amity’s training programs supported 30 individuals with disabilities, not only providing skill-building but a combined $35,000 in wages, supported by a small retail space. It became Canada’s only organization offering long-term support until outside employment was secured. Amity also introduced an accessible transportation service for individuals with mobility challenges. The service was the forerunner of today’s DARTS transit system in Hamilton.

London Goodwill Industries is incorporated by the Province of Ontario as a non-profit organization.

Sarnia Goodwill joins Goodwill Industries International, recognized as an official region within the Goodwill network.

Amity joined Goodwill Industries International and buys the 225 King William St building, which still delivers services for Goodwill today. A railway track actually ran directly into the basement of the building!

Accredited by Goodwill Industries of America as a vocational rehab centre demonstrating commitment to quality programs and services for people with disabilities.

Goodwill Amity starts an inclusive 'Goodwill Games' for Ontarians with disabilities and barriers to employment. Held at McMaster University, the first event welcomed 110 participants. The Games ran annually until 1999.

New donor service model was introduced to improve efficiency and corner drop boxes were removed.

The new, 83,000-square-foot facility features a full service career centre providing employment services, skills development and training, a community store, donation centre, a centre for social and cultural collaboration and several community gathering spaces.

Essex-Kent-Lambton was recognized as a Family Strengthening Centre of Excellence by GII, the first Canadian Goodwill to receive the designation.

Goodwill's first Edgar and Joe's Café opens in London, Ontario with a major community education campaign on mental health and inclusion, called 'Who's Joe?'.

Goodwill launches ClothingWorks, a platform that works with local service agencies and community groups to support job seekers with free interview clothing, coaching, and confidence building.

Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes proudly receives the London Chamber of Commerce 2017 Environmental Leadership Award!

Two Goodwill organizations amalgamate into one. Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes' service area now covers 17 counties across the Province.

Two Goodwill Boutique stores open in London and Newmarket.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hamilton-Halton's Stairways Café transitioned to help provide boxed meals to those experiencing food insecurity in the community. Partnering with St. Matthew’s House, CityHousing Hamilton, St. Patrick’s DeMazenod Door street outreach program, and Catholic Children’s Aid Society, over 75,000 meals were served to Hamilton residents in need.

Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes receives first CARF Accreditation

Goodwill Amity and Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes come together as one Goodwill. The unification reflected a bold, strategic step forward – driven by common growth goals and a shared mission of strengthening communities in Ontario through the power of work. The unified Goodwill will operate as Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes, and will continue to serve all currently supported communities, working to expand reach and deepen impact across the region.