When the faculty at Camosun College in Victoria, B.C. became concerned that automotive apprentices were letting their reluctance to share tools stand in the way of their education, they reached out to the Ed Coates Memorial Foundation to see if they could help.

The foundation has built a reputation for helping automotive programs with meaningful contributions.

When the college approached the foundation, it stepped up with 12 full-set toolboxes that will allow the apprentice students to focus on completing their practical skills.

“Sharing tools and working on cars together was part of the daily norm before COVID-19,” automotive instructor Patrick Jones said.

But pandemic concerns have changed to way students work and learn.

While all theory studies continue to be delivered live online, the practical portion of the curriculum is back on campus, with hands-on training using new guidelines, rules and physical distancing to keep everyone safe.

“Our family established the foundation to carry on the legacy of my father and his generous spirit,” says Candace Gottschalk, youngest daughter of the late Ed Coates and vice president of human resources at Lordco Auto Parts.

“He founded the first Lordco Auto Parts store in 1974 and grew the business to become the largest distributor in retail of aftermarket auto parts and accessories in Western Canada. 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.”

About the Foundation

The Ed Coates Memorial Foundation was formed by his wife and children after Ed’s sudden passing in February 2014 from pancreatic cancer. With his spirit in mind, Ed’s family formed a foundation with the hopes of creating a bold, creative, and inventive organization to carry on his legacy.

He had deep roots in his own community and held a strong belief in giving back locally but was also passionate about the sustainability of the automotive industry as a whole. His entrepreneurial legacy will live on in the businesses that are born from individuals who have benefited from the Foundation’s assistance.

Its broad focus also allows it to support a variety of community groups in many ways, such as rebuilding a community center, supporting or forming new community programs, providing financial assistance to students, or helping local/community hospitals.

Visit edcoatesfoundation.org