Goodwill stores in Toronto shut down
All Goodwill stores in Toronto suddenly closed yesterday. The registered charity that has sold second-hand clothing and goods for over 80 years, announced the closure which includes 16 stores, 10 donation centres and 2 offices in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Newmarket, Barrie, Orillia and Brockville.
"Due to a number of factors affecting the retail environment, Goodwill is facing a cash flow crisis," said CEO Keiko Nakamura in a statement.
More than 430 people are left without a job. Many Goodwill employees showed up to work on Sunday to find the doors closed without warning or explanation.
Union lawyer Denis Ellickson told the Toronto Star that the employees, who are represented by the Canadian Airport Workers Union, were not given the 30 to 60 days notice that they are legally entitled to.
It's unclear at this point whether any of the stores will reopen, or when. According to Nakamura's statement, Goodwill "is exploring a variety of options to continue its decades-long mission" and "will be reaching out to the union, stakeholders and all levels of government to bring clarity as soon as possible."
The Star reported that the charity received more than $4 million in government funding in 2014.
Goodwill is expected to release an update on its website by noon today.
