In Partnership with Skills/Compétences Canada, Lowe's Renews its Toolbox for Education Grant Program for 2013

Annual program helps High School Students and Educators in Ontario and Alberta improve curriculum, facilities and surrounding communities

OTTAWA, Nov. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - Skills/Compétences Canada, a national not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades, today announced that Lowe's, the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world, will be renewing its Toolbox for Education Grant Program for 2013. This will be the third year that Lowe's, in partnership with Skills/competences Canada, offers the program benefiting students and educators in Ontario and Alberta.

"Lowe's is a proud supporter of skilled trades education and is excited to fund the Lowe's Toolbox for Education Grant Program for the third year in a row,' says Alan Huggins, president, Lowe's Canada. "Each year we receive outstanding applications and it's truly an inspiration to see the innovation behind the projects being completed in our schools.  Lowe's is honoured to help build essential life skills in the next generation through funding that further enables students and teachers to improve their curriculum, facilities and surrounding communities."

The Lowe's funding program is aimed at engaging students and teachers looking to improve their school campus, curriculum delivery or surrounding community. The contribution supports High School based projects currently in place in the provinces of Alberta and Ontario, and will expand to other regions as Lowe's establishes retail locations in other communities. Some of the projects completed over the years include School Landscaping Projects and Rotating Student Art Exhibits. For a list of the Ontario and Alberta high schools participating in the 2013 program click here.

"Our mission is to encourage and support a coordinated Canadian approach to promoting skilled trades and technologies to youth," says Shaun Thorson, Chief Executive Officer, Skills/Compétences Canada. "Skilled trades are the foundation of industries that drive the Canadian economy. With industry partners like Lowe's, we can continue to help inspire and encourage youth to pursue career paths in skilled trades and technology while ensuring industry has the pipeline of skilled labour workers that they need for the future."

Lowe's has also recently announced a new fundraising project, 'Never Stop Improving Canada', which will support an even greater number of schools and communities, while continuing to support causes that reflect Lowe's community relations mandate. This new peer-to-peer program allows individuals to easily set up a fundraiser by selling $50 Lowe's gift cards to their friends and family. For each card sold, Lowe's will donate $20 in supplies towards their school's building or community project. For more information, visit www.lowescanada.flipgive.com

About Skills/Compétences Canada
Skills/Compétences Canada was founded in 1989 as a national, not‐for‐profit organization that works with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trades and technology careers among Canadian youth. Its unique position among private and public sector partners enables it to work toward securing Canada's future skilled labour needs while helping young people discover rewarding careers. Skills/Compétences Canada offers experiential learning opportunities including skilled trades and technology competitions for hundreds of thousands of young Canadians through regional, provincial/territorial, national and international events, as well as skilled trades awareness programs. Many programs highlight digital and essential skills, which are crucial qualifications in most careers of today. Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, Skills/Compétences Canada is the Canadian Member organization of WorldSkills International. For more information, visit www.skillscanada.com or call 877-754-5226.

About Lowe's
Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world, serving approximately 15 million customers a week in its more than 1,745 stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Lowe's Companies Canada, ULC first opened Canadian stores in December 2007 and now operates 32 stores in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia with more than 4,500 employees company-wide.

SOURCE: SKILLS/COMPETENCES CANADA

Media Contacts:

Caroline McGrath
CMM Communications Group (for Skills/Compétences Canada)
416 972-1642
[email protected]

Joanne Elson
Lowe's Canada
416-730-7475
[email protected]