Coates foundation donates to local high school

An high school automotive program with poor tools and a broken hoist isn’t able to do much for its students.

But thanks to the Ed Coates Memorial Foundation, Pitt Meadows Secondary School – less than 15 minutes west of Maple Ridge, B.C. – received $25,000 in tools, welding machines, spray guns and a new hoist and is now able to showcase opportunities in the auto repair industry.

Steve Wiebe, principal of Youth Train in Trades and Work in Trades programs, thanked the foundation for its support.

“They have gone above and beyond with their donations of high-quality tools and equipment to all of our secondary schools,” he said, adding that the donations “have enhanced these programs immeasurably.”

The foundation was started by the family of Ed Coates, Lordco’s co-founder, after his sudden death in 2014 in order to carry on his legacy through supporting local communities.