I'm writing to you today to introduce a serious situation that has affected the safety of individuals and businesses In our municipality.

Before I do so, I would like to highlight the positive impact that Goodwill EKL makes in the communities it saves. Our chief economic engine relies on donations of gently used goods obtained via attended donation centres in Ftcex, Kent and Lambton counties, which are then sold in our Goodwill retail stores. The revenue generated through retail stores funds employment programs and resources — when individuals receive the assistance they need, job placement is something more achievable.

This system has proven so successful that Goodwill EKL placed more than 1,000 individuals into' employment last year! This year alone we have placed 940 individuals into jobs and we still have four months remaining until our fiscal year end. We want to continue this momentum

Unfortunately, for-profit businesses are harming this process for our organization and many others. They are illegally placing donation bins on private property, and shipping goods overseas, negatively affecting the missions of St. Vincent de Paul, The Salvation Army, Bibles for Missions and our own.