Sears Goodwill Donation Drive Brings the Spirit of Thanksgiving to Life

    


    Share the warmth by trading in your gently used coats and boots and be
rewarded

    
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<p><span class="xn-location">TORONTO</span>, <span class="xn-chron">Oct. 7</span> /CNW/ -- Reduce your clutter and refresh your spirit by donating your gently used coats and boots to a worthy cause this <span class="xn-chron">Thanksgiving</span> weekend. Goodwill® and Sears <span class="xn-location">Canada</span> Inc. (TSX: SCC) invite Canadians to visit their local Sears department stores and donate their gently used coats and boots and, in exchange, receive a coupon for <span class="xn-money">$10</span> off a minimum purchase of <span class="xn-money">$100</span> of new outerwear and boots, good through <span class="xn-chron">October 29, 2010</span>, to get the entire family winter-ready.</p>
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    (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090716/DC47803LOGO)

    
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<p>"We hope that Canadians will take advantage of this innovative way to help those less fortunate while shopping at Sears," said Dene Rogers, president and chief executive officer, Sears <span class="xn-location">Canada</span>. "Sears' 122 full-line department stores across <span class="xn-location">Canada</span> provide an extensive network of convenient drop-off points to receive donations."</p>
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<p>The Sears outerwear donation drive is happening coast to coast and is in partnership with Goodwill where locations exist, with donations being sent to the seven Goodwill agencies in <span class="xn-location">Canada</span> to distribute to more than 60 Goodwill stores. In other regions, Sears department stores are partnering with other local community service organizations.</p>
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<p>"Together we can make a substantial contribution to help Goodwill and other local charities help others in the many communities in which Sears is represented," continued <span class="xn-person">Mr. Rogers</span>.  "In kind, Sears will give thanks to customers for their generosity with a valuable coupon offer."</p>
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<p>Individuals who donate to Goodwill are helping to support their local community by helping Canadians facing challenges finding employment, such as those with disabilities and newcomers to <span class="xn-location">Canada</span>, get the critical job training and employment placement services they need to care for their families and strengthen their communities. Revenue generated through sales of used goods in Goodwill's retail stores goes directly to creating job opportunities for people who need them most, resulting in communities that work better for everyone.</p>
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<p>"Last year, Goodwill agencies in <span class="xn-location">Canada</span> served more than 25,000 people," said <span class="xn-person">Jim Gibbons</span>, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "Through our partnership with Sears, donations of gently used outerwear and boots will help to prepare people for job success."</p>
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<p>Donating gently used coats and boots makes a meaningful impact on both the family pocketbook and the environment. Gently used items brought into local Sears stores will find new life, diverting valuable goods from landfills. The coupon given in exchange is valid on Sears regular- and sale-priced outerwear and boots so families can stretch their dollar even further during Sears Get Ready for <span class="xn-person">Winter Sale</span>, beginning <span class="xn-chron">October 15</span>, affording customers an opportunity for even more savings.</p>
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    About Goodwill Industries International
    
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<p>Goodwill Industries International is a network of 165 community-based agencies in the <span class="xn-location">United States</span> and <span class="xn-location">Canada</span> with 14 affiliates in 13 other countries. Goodwill is one of North America's top five most valuable and recognized nonprofit brands as well as a leading social services enterprise (Source: Cone Nonprofit Power Brand 100, 2009). Goodwill agencies are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that fund job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in nearly 2,500 retail stores and online at shopgoodwill.com. Local Goodwill agencies also build revenue and create jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food service preparation, and document imaging and shredding. In 2009, nearly 2 million people in the <span class="xn-location">United States</span> and <span class="xn-location">Canada</span> benefited from Goodwill's career services. Goodwill channels 83 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services. To find a Goodwill location near you, use the online locator at <a href="http://www.goodwill.org">www.goodwill.org</a>, or call [phone]. Twitter: @GoodwillIntl. Facebook: GoodwillIntl.</p>
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    About Sears Canada
    
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<p>Sears <span class="xn-location">Canada</span> is a multi-channel retailer with a network of 197 corporate stores, 241 hometown dealer stores, 31 home improvement showrooms, over 1,800 catalogue merchandise pick-up locations, 108 Sears Travel offices and a nationwide home maintenance, repair, and installation network. The Company also publishes Canada's most extensive general merchandise catalogue and offers shopping online at <a href="http://www.sears.ca">www.sears.ca</a>.</p>
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For further information: Lauren Lawson of Goodwill Industries International, [phone], cell: [phone], [email protected], or Maria Ganogiannis of Sears Canada, [phone], [email protected] Web Site: http://www.sears.ca