Maple Ridge, British Columbia — Maple Ridge Secondary and Samuel Robertson Technical School, two high schools in Maple Ridge, B.C., are getting a $25,000 boost to their automotive trades programs, thanks to the Ed Coates Memorial Foundation.
The foundation, which was established in memory of Lordco Auto Parts’ founder Ed Coates after his sudden passing in Feb. 2014, recently donated an automotive hoist to Maple Ridge secondary to make it easier for auto tech students to work under cars, while a metal lathe will be donated to Samuel Robertson Technical.
Both pieces of equipment are brand new and valued at around $25,000.
The trades programs at Maple Ridge and Samuel Robertson allow high school students to earn post-secondary credits, certifications and career skills prior to graduation. In financial assistance alone, Lordco now provides more than $30,000 annually to students pursuing studies in automotive trades programs.
“We are so proud to be able to give back to our community and students with an interest in the automotive industry,” said Candace Gottschalk, Ed Coates’ daughter and vice-president of human resources at Lordco.
