Victoria, British Columbia – Automotive students at Camosun College were treated to $25,000 worth of tools in their stockings this December, thanks to a donation of 15 new tool kits from the Ed Coates Memorial Foundation to the college.
This donation ensures every student has their own set of tools to complete hands-on learning.
“Sharing tools and working on cars together was part of the daily norm before COVID-19,” said Patrick Jones, an automotive instructor at Camosun.
Ed Coates, the foundation’s namesake, founded Lordco Auto Parts in 1974 and his legacy is carried on by his wife, Marlyn, and his four children who typically partner with institutions to offer scholarships and bursaries.
“He was a great businessman who understood the importance of education in the automotive aftermarket industry,” said Candace Gottschalk, Coates’ youngest daughter and vice president of human resources at Lordco.
“The foundation is our way of honouring him and continuing his legacy of giving back to communities here in B.C. and supporting the automotive industry.”
The Coates felt it important to help equip automotive students with tools because it is a crucial aspect of education and is often overlooked in funding.
