Finning donates backhoe to Equipped for the Future program

Finning's oil sands general manager Larry Gouthro and Keyano College president Jim Foote.

May 3, 2010 – By donating a Caterpillar 420 backhoe loader, along with a fee-free lease arrangement that keeps current equipment in the classroom, Finning (Canada) is investing in the future of students and the oil sands region.

The loader is the first in-kind contribution to the Equipped for the Future program at Keyano College in Fort McMurray.

Larry Gouthro, general manager of the oil sands, says the company is pleased to partner with Keyano College.

“This donation shows the long-term relationship we’ve had with Keyano College, and we hope more industry participates in the Equipped for the Future initiative,” he said. “There is no better way to prepare for the next wave of expansion in our region than by providing the tools for the college to train the next generation of operators.”

As a leader in heavy equipment training, Keyano College faces the challenge of continually needing to replace or renew equipment as technology changes. Angele Dobie, manager of fund development at the Keyano Foundation, says Finning’s donation goes a long way towards supporting this objective.

“We are delighted with Finning (Canada)’s leadership contribution to the initiative,” she said.