Trash to treasure: Calgary company donates thousands of pieces of clothing to Salvation Army

Trash removal company Junk King is donating nearly 4,000 pieces of brand new clothing to the Salvation Army after finding them during a contracted cleanup in Calgary.

The local franchise, which has worked with the Salvation Army in the past, says cleanup jobs don't always lead to landfills. 

"One of our core values is customer service and the other one is sustainability," said Javier Castillo, a partner at the Calgary Junk King. 

The company, which as been operating in the city for nearly a year, is hired by businesses and homeowners who need large-scale junk removal services.  

During this particular cleanup job, the Junk King team arrived at a warehouse to find thousands of brand new clothing items left behind.  

Castillo says he hopes other businesses are inspired by the company's initiatives to help out Calgary's less fortunate.

Donation will have an impact

"We are incredibly grateful for Junk King for this generous brand new item donation. This donation will create an impact on our community," said Wael Gergis, Alberta sales district manager for the Salvation Army.

The large donation will be distributed to its stores across Calgary and nearby Strathmore and Airdrie, as well as shelters in need of clothing, Gergis says.

"This donation generates funds. These funds we use for our vital Salvation Army program services such as food banks, shelters and other services," said Gergis.

Gergis encourages Calgarians to follow Junk King's example by donating old clothes, other items or their time to those in need. 

"Take the lead of Junk King and donate to us because that's helping us to continue our mission in the community and helping others who are in need."