Discover Good Stuff: 6 things you might not know
Most people know Good Sammy as a place to shop second-hand or donate goods. But there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes. From creating jobs for people with disability to championing sustainability, here are six things that show how every part of Good Sammy is designed to make a difference.
1. We create jobs and training for people with disability
Good Sammy exists to create employment opportunities for people with disability. In the 2023 to 2024 financial year, we created over 100 new roles for people with disability across our social enterprises. Today, more than 400 of our employees identify as having a disability, making up over half of our workforce.
We don’t just offer jobs. We offer structure, training and support to help people build skills and confidence. Roles include retail, logistics, property care, e-commerce, customer service and administration. Many trainees and employees use this experience to step into open employment.
As part of the Australian Human Rights Commission’s IncludeAbility trial, 12 of our employees gained ongoing roles at Woolworths.
2. We sort and recycle carefully
When you donate to Good Sammy, your items don’t go straight to the shop floor. All donations are sorted by hand, either at our central warehouse in Canning Vale or at the store where they were donated. Items are assessed by type and quality before being allocated to the op shop floor, our outlet store, ethically exported for reuse, turned into industrial rags or sent for recycling.
We work with local partners to recycle what we can, including textiles, books, electronics and plastics. Unfortunately, some donated goods cannot be reused or recycled and end up in landfill. We encourage people to donate items that are clean, safe and in good condition. If it’s not something you would give to a friend or family member, it’s probably not suitable to donate.
This sorting process helps keep usable goods in circulation and reduces pressure on landfill.
3. Containers for Change creates extra impact
Good Sammy operates the largest Containers for Change refund point network in Western Australia. This helps reduce litter and landfill, and creates jobs for people with disability.
Customers receive 10 cents for every eligible drink container returned. Good Sammy also receives an additional 7 cents per container to reinvest in employment and community programs.
In 2023 to 2024, we collected more than 52 million containers, up from 30 million the year before. By choosing Good Sammy for your container returns, you support local jobs and help fund social enterprise.
4. We collaborate with educators and communities
Good Sammy works with schools, TAFEs and universities to share knowledge about sustainability and social inclusion.
Students from South Metropolitan TAFE and Curtin University visit our warehouse as part of their studies in ethical fashion and design. They take part in data collection and learn about the realities of textile waste and the value of second-hand clothing in the circular economy.
We also host workshops, community events and campaigns to help people think differently about consumption and waste.
5. We run creative campaigns to promote responsible donation
Campaigns help us spread the message that donating quality items matters. One example is the WA Government’s GREAT Sorts campaign, filmed at our Balcatta store. The campaign encouraged people to donate clean and undamaged goods that can be resold.
Donating items that are broken, dirty or unusable creates extra costs for charities, as these items must be sorted and sent to landfill. Campaigns like this help the community understand how to support social enterprises more effectively.
We also share stories on social media about our employees, thrifted finds and sustainability outcomes. In 2023 to 2024, over 1.1 million customers purchased something from a Good Sammy store, a 10 percent increase from the year before.
6. We offer corporate volunteering with purpose
Good Sammy runs corporate volunteering programs that help businesses connect with our purpose. Corporate teams can take part in sorting, stocking and other warehouse or retail activities, while learning about disability employment and environmental impact.
These experiences give people a new perspective on inclusion and sustainability. Many go on to explore how their own workplaces can become more inclusive or environmentally conscious.
We’re more than a second-hand store
Every part of Good Sammy Enterprises is built around employment, sustainability and community. From the way we sort donations to the way we partner with schools and businesses, our purpose is at the centre of what we do.
Next time you shop or donate, remember that you’re helping to create jobs, reduce waste and support social enterprise in Western Australia.
