Donation Nets New Tools For Training Centre

Mar 27, 2019 | 3:45 PM

A gas and convenience store operator in the North Okanagan says a big part of its business model is supporting the community.

Armstrong Regional Co-Operative has donated $5,000 to the new Trades Training Centre at Okanagan College in Vernon to purchase state-of-the-art tools for the students in the more than seven programs at the facility which opened last year.

“We were excited to invest in students entering the trades, especially as the trades are so connected to our business,” says Jason Keis, Armstrong Regional Cooperative Marketing and Sales Manager.

The new equipment ranges from air-powered nail guns to welding helmets, electric sanders and socket sets.

The donated tools were delivered on a pallet and unveiled to students who responded with a round of applause.

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“We have a beautiful new trades facility and this donation means our students will have access to the very latest tools as well, so they’re training on the same equipment they’ll encounter when they step out onto the job site,” says Steve Moores, Dean of Trades at Okanagan College.

“We’re grateful to the Armstrong Regional Cooperative for supporting students – it sends a message to them that local employers believe in them and want to see them be successful in their chosen trades.”

Armstrong Regional Cooperative has a long history of supporting community through annual donations to a number of different organizations and community events. As a co-operative, the Armstrong Co-op is owned by its members who as owners, share in the co-op’s profits. Last year, the co-op returned just over $3.7 million in cash and equity to its 17,500 members.

by Corey Fischer