As a leader in environmental sustainability, The Saskatchewan District of Salvation Army Thrift Store National Recycling Operations has been named the 2026 non-profit recipient of the prestigious Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Award, presented by the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council.
“Through reuse and recycling systems across Saskatchewan, The Salvation Army Thrift Store quietly turns everyday donations into powerful environmental and social change,” says Barclay Elles, Saskatchewan District Manager for Distribution and Recycling Centre Operations. “From clothing dropped off in local communities to household goods sorted in our stores, thousands of items are given a second life rather than being sent to landfills.”
The Salvation Army Thrift Store has modernized sorting systems, optimized logistics, and enhanced coordination across its provincial network, delivering measurable improvements in processing efficiency and material diversion. These innovations extend directly to Saskatchewan locations, where in-store donation handling optimizes Thrift Store and Distribution and Recycling Centre internal processes, while enhancing health, safety, and efficiency.
With 16 retail locations across the province, the organization diverts significant volumes of reusable and recyclable materials each year while generating essential funding for frontline social services.
“When we build strong communities and believe in people, we help them thrive and shape a better world for generations to come,” Barclay says.
In 2025 alone, Saskatchewan thrift stores diverted more than 1,645 metric tonnes of material. That impact is equivalent to planting nearly 1.7 million trees, saving more than 6,000 kilolitres of water, and removing almost 8,000 cars from the road.
By prioritizing reuse, the organization plays a key role in advancing Saskatchewan’s waste reduction goals, extending the life of donated goods, lowering demand for new products, and reducing landfill waste.
Beyond environmental benefits, our impact on communities is significant. Revenue generated through Thrift Store operations and recycling partnerships directly supports programs addressing food insecurity, housing instability, emergency assistance, and addiction recovery.
This commitment is reflected in daily operations across the province, where community support remains central to the organization’s mission. The awards celebrate leadership and innovation across sectors and highlight local success stories that inspire others to act.
The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Awards are judged on environmental impact, innovation, leadership, and overall commitment to sustainability. Awards were presented on Thursday, May 28, during the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council’s Waste ReForum 2026 Conference in Saskatoon.
Learn more about our Thrift Stores’ environmental pledge by helping to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Interested in joining our team?
If you are looking for a new opportunity that truly matters, your careers journey starts with us.