In a note from Oriana Evans of Lordco in British Columbia, we were told of a wonderful gift by the Ed Coates Memorial Foundation (ECMF) to Camosun College on Vancouver Island.

It seems the college had reached out for aid for their trades training program and Lordco responded. Ed Coates is the late President/Founder of Lordco. The Foundation was formed by Ed’s wife Marlyn, and his children, Samantha, Sarah, Ian and Candace after Ed had passed away in 2014.

The ECMF made a tool donation of 12 toolsets—12 full set toolbox sets—to the automotive students during COVID-19. This has allowed the automotive apprentices at Camosun to focus on hands-on learning and not to worry about having to share tools. They can focus on completing their practical skills.

“Sharing tools and working on cars together as part of the daily norm before COVID-19,” explains Patrick Jones, Automotive Instructor with Camosun. “The college is really grateful to the Ed Coates Memorial Foundation for their generous support for our students as we all adapt to these challenging times.”

Candace Gottschalk, the youngest Coates daughter and Vice President of Human Resources said, “Our family established the foundation to carry on the legacy of my father and his generous spirit. He founded the first Lordco Auto Parts store in 1974 and grew the business to become the largest distributor and retailer of aftermarket auto parts and accessories in Western Canada. He was a great businessman who understood the importance of education in the automotive aftermarket industry. 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.”

Trades students, including automotive students, are back on campus for hands-on training with new guidelines, rules and physical distancing to keep everyone safe. Theory work continues to be delivered online with a live, instructor-led class.