WHY WINS?
WINS goals is to help women and their families move from crisis and/or poverty and regain stability and move towards thriving, We know that when mom thrives, the family thrives.
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$0.88 from each dollar raised goes directly to Calgary women and their families
WINS operates lean by design - just 12% of our expenses go to administration, which is atypical for Canadian charities. This approach ensures the majority of our resources directly support Calgary women by providing basic needs, services and employment training . Our commitment to financial responsibility is reflected in our rating from Charity Intelligence Canada – an organization who evaluates how well charities spend funds and whether financial decisions sustainably support their mission. Learn more or explore how other charities compare on their website.
Through WINS’ social enterprise model, we can provide safe and supportive employment training through our thrift stores as well as our Donation Centre
WINS offers industry-focused employment training that leads to real jobs and long-term stability. Retail Ready prepares participants for barrier-free, flexible careers in retail, while Warehouse Ready equips individuals with job-ready skills for Calgary’s growing supply and logistics sector. As a result, 71% of WINS participants secure employment within 90 days of graduation — supporting financial independence and helping interrupt intergenerational poverty.
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WINS partners with various support agencies to provide free basic needs to their program participants
Partner agencies refer participants who require support with clothing, furniture, and housewares to WINS Thrift Stores. WINS delivers free basic needs through a dignified, choice-based model embedded within our stores, allowing qualifying individuals to select the items that best meet their needs. This approach ensures participants are indistinguishable from other shoppers, preserving privacy, dignity, and respect at every step. In 2024, WINS provided $1.3 million in free basic needs, including food, hygiene and baby supplies, as well as clothing and household items selected from our stores.
WINS is more than a store
WINS stores serve as welcoming community hubs and the home base for many of our programs and services. Our Dover, Manchester, and Beltline locations feature on-site WINS program centres where individuals can access basic needs support, one-on-one assistance, and employment training. In addition, WINS operates community hubs in partnership with Calgary Housing in Erin Woods and Temple—making support easy to access and rooted directly in the neighbourhoods we serve.
7.1 million pounds kept out of Calgary landfills in 2024 via our Social Enterprise model and Recycling Program
WINS champions Calgary’s circular economy by reusing, repurposing, and responsibly recycling donated goods. Unusable clothing is sold in bulk to fabric buyers, electronics are sent to certified recycling depots, and metals are recycled with proceeds supporting WINS programs. Plastics and cardboard from donated goods are also recycled. Items with minor imperfections are given a second life through our More Store, where gently used clothing is offered for just $1 per item.
WINS is a conduit for Calgarians to help Calgarians
Every dollar raised through financial donations, corporate partnerships, and sales in WINS Thrift and More stores stays 100% in Calgary, directly supporting Calgary women. Founded in 1992 out of necessity, WINS is a truly homegrown charity—created by a woman who fled domestic violence with nothing but the clothes on her back and recognized the urgent lack of support for women in similar situations. At WINS, donors can give with confidence, knowing exactly where and how their contributions are making a difference.
Volunteers are the heart of WINS
Last year, individuals and groups donated more than 29,000 volunteer hours to WINS. Each volunteer hour goes a long way—helping reduce operational costs across our thrift stores, donation centre, and administrative offices so more resources can be directed to providing basic needs, support, and employment training. Through their time and dedication, volunteers play a vital role in helping women build strength, security, and independence.
The find you’re looking for could be at any WINS
Thanks to the behind-the-scenes magic of our thrift social enterprise, all donated clothing is centrally processed and thoughtfully redistributed—so hidden gems can pop up at any WINS store. That means the hunt is always on! We encourage you to visit all our locations—you never know when you’ll discover your next favourite wardrobe treasure.
Find WINS Thrift Stores
WINS ensures women receive the right support at the right time
WINS operates within a flexible, circular framework—recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We meet women where they are, understanding that each situation and set of needs is unique. Through partnerships with agencies across Calgary, WINS helps connect participants to the services and supports best suited to them. How and when women engage with WINS is entirely their choice, and our group programming evolves in response to participant needs—ranging from ESL to digital and financial literacy—ensuring our programs remain relevant, responsive, and meaningful.
Our workforce is diverse
More than half of WINS employees first came to WINS seeking support themselves. We believe that those who have lived the experience are often best equipped to help others—so at WINS, we don’t just support change, we live it. This practice makes our workforce deeply diverse, with staff collectively speaking more than 25 languages! WINS organization commits to inclusion and respect in how we work, collaborate, and deliver services across the organization.
Prizes & Details
GRAND PRIZE
Private WINS Shopping Day
Private WINS Shopping Day for up to 6 people. The experience includes:
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Private, guided shuttle up to three WINS Thrift Stores (excluding the More Store)
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$100 WINS gift card for each guest
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Exclusive in-store discounts at each location
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Complimentary shopping bags
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Dining credit for food and beverages at a restaurant after shopping
More Chances do WIN
SECOND PRIZE
$250
WINS Gift Card
THIRD PRIZE
$100
WINS Gift Card
Rules and Regulations
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No purchase necessary
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One entry per person
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No cash equivalent
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Contest open January 26 – February 17, 2026
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Contest open to Calgarians over the age of 18
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Employees, board members, + volunteers are ineligible to enter
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Winners will be announced in retail locations and WINS social channels. Winner will be announced First name, last initial and where they entered.
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Draw date: February 23rd. Winners will be contacted by email or phone.
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Unclaimed prizes will be forfeited.
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Grand prize must be claimed within 60 days and executed by August 31, 2026. Blackout dates: April 18, May 16-18, July 1-12, August 1-3, August 16, 2026
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By entering, you consent to receiving the WINS bi-monthly (every two months) newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time.
