We are proud to share that we have joined forces with the Southern Interior Construction Association to establish a charitable fund in support of the regional initiatives that matter to their members.
“The Southern Interior Construction Association (SICA) is excited for the opportunity to start a fund within the Construction Foundation of BC as a chance for our members to donate to a local charity that promotes encouraging youth to enter the construction industry,” shares Jason Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of SICA. “As the lack of skilled labour increases and more and more skilled tradespersons are retiring, we need every tool available to ensure a construction workforce for tomorrow.”
The SICA Fund‘s first campaign was in support of Peter Greer Elementary in Lake Country. Funds raised would be used to purchase a variety of hand tools and small power tools to outfit a design lab that would enable over 100 Grade 4 – 6 students to experience a beginner introduction to the trades. The first call for donations had us reach our goal overnight and we were able to donate $6000 to help the school setup their Design Lab.
Clint Maltais, the teacher who first approached the SICA Fund granting team, says this donation has already created several positive impacts in the school. From increased parental involvement to kids who typically struggle with school having new avenues to be successful – the benefits have been numerous.
Clint shares this about the practical experience the students are gaining, “It provides that authentic, relevant experience for some of them to apply some of the concepts. For instance, we can give them math to do with fractions and they really struggle, but you give them a tape measure and a piece of wood and all of the sudden, they can figure out 16 and seven – eighths and where that is on the mark.”
We recently visited Peter Greer Elementary in Lake Country to talk about the Design Lab and meet a few of the students.
To donate to the SICA Fund, visit: www.constructionfoundation.ca/sica-fund
