August 28, 2024 – HiMark Occupational Skills Training Centre Ltd. has selected Support Ontario Youth (SOY) as the recipient of the proceeds from its annual golf tournament.

Over 140 HVAC professionals and skilled trades enthusiasts attended the event at Banty’s Roost Golf Club on August 7, raising $15,510 to support SOY’s ongoing contributions to the skilled trades community.

“We are incredibly thankful to HiMark for their commitment to supporting the skilled trades and for choosing SOY as the beneficiary of this fantastic event,” said SOY executive director Melanie Winter. “The funds raised will go a long way in helping us continue our mission to mentor, guide, and support the next generation of tradespeople as they navigate their apprenticeship journeys.”

Although HiMark provides training for gas technician, HVAC, and refrigeration & air-conditioning, SOY’s Tiffany Garcia says the funds raised “can be utilized across all the trades that we service, enabling us to continue to effectively support the skilled trades industry”.

Himark president Sam Adams says this is the first time they’ve used their annual golf tournament to raise money for a charitable cause, “and SOY was the unanimous choice”.

“We are greatly appreciative of non-profit partners such as SOY who play an essential role facilitating between industries, trade partners, government bodies, school boards, and prospective apprentices,” said Adams. “Supporting the future of the skilled trades workforce takes a collaborative effort between us all.”

HiMark has been serving the industry since 1995 and boasts six campuses across Ontario.