College Home project tops goal

The final tally is in for a unique fundraising campaign that brought together local home builders, tradespeople, and suppliers to support the building of the Lethbridge College Trades, Technologies and Innovation Facility.

The total — $804,343 over the past five years — was announced Thursday night as the completion of the College Home project, a partnership between the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Lethbridge Region and Lethbridge College.

The program was launched in 2013 and involved CHBA builders working with suppliers and tradespeople to build homes that were showcased and sold. Each builder made a donation from the proceeds of the sale to Lethbridge College.

Eight homes were built over five years and the final combined donations surpassed the initial goal of $750,000.

“This project was the first of its kind in Canada and the final goal was incredibly ambitious,” said Paula Burns, Lethbridge College President and CEO in a recent news release. “It required dozens of businesses and individuals to share a vision and believe in the college. To see the successes accumulate over five years was inspiring and we are thankful for the support of the CHBA and its members.”

The trades and technology facility houses programs that support the local construction industry, such as Engineering Design and Drafting Technology; Interior Design Technology; Welder, Electrician, Plumber and Carpenter apprenticeships.

“This project is a testament to what can happen when like-minded individuals get together and create something meaningful,” said Mike Schmidtler, CHBA Lethbridge Region President.

“Our industry requires advanced training that is adaptable and relevant. We are pleased we were able to partner with Lethbridge College to help create a facility that makes that training a reality right here in Lethbridge.”

Seven home builders led builds over the course of the project with contributions from 147 suppliers and tradespeople.

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