VMAC Global Technology Inc. has donated 33 Subaru EX40 gas engines and a 3-D printer to the local Nanaimo-Ladysmith public school district’s Career Technical Centre (CTC) program. This donation, worth a total value of $34,000, will enable the next generation of potential trades experts to have hands-on experience with new OHC small engines.
“VMAC is proud to be able to offer these 33 brand-new Subaru engines to our local public school district, SD68,” says Stuart Coker, VMAC’s Director of Operations. “These engines are perfect for a mechanics class to take apart or build into a vehicle. Supporting local youth and programs that inspire engineering and trades education is a perfect fit for VMAC’s Corporate Sponsorship program.”
The idea to donate the 33 Subaru engines and 3-D printer was brought up by one of VMAC’s Technical Support coworkers, Isak Maximchuk. Maximchuk participated in the school district’s CTC program when he was in high school and has since successfully found a highly technical career in VMAC’s innovative organization. “The opportunity to connect VMAC and SD68’s CTC program with this donation was very rewarding and I know the students will be able to put these engines to good use,” says Maximchuk.
“We are very excited to receive this donation that will be distributed to four Secondary Schools: Ladysmith, Cedar, Island Connect Education and Dover Bay. VMAC is a great partner to the school district for not only donating learning resources but also sponsoring students as Youth Apprentices. Students will benefit from this partnership for years to come.” Derek Beeston, Principal of the CTC.
The 33 Subaru EX40 gas engines were available for donation due to a recent change in VMAC’s product line. In 2017 the VMAC Gas Engine Driven Air Compressor (G30) shifted from using the Subaru engines to the Honda GX390 Gas Engine. The increased customer demand for the Honda gas engine model made the Subaru engines obsolete to VMAC.
“At VMAC we believe it’s important to invest in the communities where our business is located, creating new value for our stakeholders,” says Stuart Coker. “This valuable donation will impact local students for many years to come, and we’re proud to have coworkers like Isak who are empowered to come up with ideas and suggestions that align with VMAC’s culture and help improve our local community, and those living in it.”
