Beginning this year, Lafarge is creating a $315,000 education endowment fund, with two MD of Bighorn students eligible for $5,000 scholarships.
For 2014, the scholarships will be made available to young people in Exshaw and Lac Des Arcs who are looking to continue with post-secondary education.
The announcement of the Lafarge Education Endowment fund, which will be administered by the Banff Community Foundation (BCF), was made at the MD of Bighorn office, Friday (May 9).
Heinz Knopfel, Lafarge plant manager, said the endowment fund is in keeping with “a long tradition of supporting the community” and with the company’s renewed emphasis on the Lafarge “pillars of education, environment and sustainable construction.
“Paying tuition can be a real challenge and this will be an investment in the future. In working with the Banff Community Foundation, this is an opportunity to give back to the community and help people wanting to continue their education.
“We believe there will be years when the fund will not be tapped and then we’ll look at expanding to Canmore and Morley.
“After I’ve gone and everyone in this room is gone, this will continue.”
Knopfel, who has worked for Lafarge for 33 years, added that after his family moved to Canada, he was the recipient of support from a mining community.
The endowment, he said, is also in keeping with Lafarge’s volunteer and school reading program, trail rehabilitation work and grizzly research projects.
Lorraine Widmer-Carson, BCF executive director, said the endowment fund, “is visionary. This is Lafarge showing the valley how a strong leader can impact our valley. It encourages people to join in hearts and minds and it’s for someone who’s got a dream and wants to pursue higher education.
“This is a very exciting announcement.”
Chris MacPhee, Canadian Rockies Public Schools superintendent, said, “you couldn’t have picked a better group than the Banff Community Foundation. The work they’ve done is fantastic.”
MacPhee also gave a nod to Lafarge for the company’s work during the June flood of last year. “A lot of people don’t know this, but you and your team probably single-handedly saved our school here.”
As a former teacher, MD Reeve Dene Cooper said, “I think education is the most important gift anyone can have. I built my career on education and there are no teachers without learning – and you’re never done learning. Education always goes with you, it’s easy to pack and when you need it, it’s easy to bring out.
“But not everyone who is capable has the resources, and some will now have the chance. I’m delighted to be able to say someone in our community will get the chance to take a chess piece and move it.
“I can’t wait to see the first candidates and wouldn’t it be nice if some come back to the community to work, or have some come back to our schools?”
MLA Ron Casey said Alberta is lucky to have corporate citizens like Lafarge. “Lafarge has always been there. In my 43 years in Canmore, it didn’t matter the project, Lafarge was there.
“We’re all extremely lucky to have a good, strong corporate employer and lucky that they haven’t stayed still. They’re reducing their footprint and making it healthier for all. Thanks for continuing to build strong communities.”
