Ashcroft Master Builder and Galko Master Builder, along with their building teams, announced a $231,084 donation 
to Lethbridge College as part of The College Home project in March. The donation is the first of its kind from the unique partnership between the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Lethbridge Region (CHBA) and the college.
“We were incredibly pleased to have Ashcroft and Galko Master Builders as the inaugural builders on this collaborative partnership between the college and the CHBA Lethbridge Region and its members,” says Lethbridge College President and CEO Dr. Paula Burns. “Their leadership in this initiative has furthered our work towards training skilled workers in southern Alberta. Lethbridge College will continue to work with its community partners to create innovative solutions wherever they are needed.”
The College Home project involves two CHBA builders each year who work with their suppliers and tradespeople and commit to building two homes per year, with the proceeds from the sales to go towards the Trades and Technologies Renewal and Innovation Project. More than 70 different suppliers and tradespeople were involved in the building of these first two homes. Both homes were unveiled at the Parade of Homes last fall and have since been sold to local families. Each of the families received a $2,500 student award to Lethbridge College along with the purchase of these homes.
“As much as this is about recognizing the donations being made by Galko, Ashcroft and their trade partners, it is also about us recognizing the vital role that Lethbridge College plays in providing us with some of the best-trained tradespeople on the planet,” says Stephen Amonson, Ashcroft Master Builder. “It is our hope that the trades and technologies building is only the beginning of a broader and more expanded role in developing young people for careers in our industry.”
Amonson goes on to say the dedicated tradespeople, suppliers and service professionals are committed to building some of the finest homes anywhere in the world. "And although it may seem like it is Ashcroft that is making this donation, the truth is we are only making it on behalf of all of these dedicated, hardworking and extremely generous partners of ours.”
“It’s great to be in partnership with the CHBA and the college to help fund the trades and technologies building. This new facility will ensure well-trained workers for our industry and their quality workmanship,” says Bruce Galts, Galko Master Builder. “We are very proud to be a part of this program in its first year and thankful to all of the participating trades and suppliers who helped kick-start such an important program for our community.”
Ground is expected to be broken on the Trades and Technologies Renewal and Innovation Project this spring. This initiative is included within the Possibilities are Endless capital campaign to raise $65 million towards the project. The completion date on the facility will be in the fall of 2017.
