SAIT Polytechnic receives donation from Burnco Family Foundation

Calgary, AB - SAIT Polytechnic has received a $1 million donation from the Burnco Family Foundation. The gift was announced Thursday evening during BURNCO's 100th anniversary event at the Calgary Stampede Grounds. This represents the Calgary-based company's largest centennial donation to date.

Their donation will support the SAIT Promising Futures Capital Campaign for the Trades and Technology Complex and the SAIT Opportunities Fund.

"This investment enables us to put each and every dollar to work where it will best serve students," says Irene Lewis, President and CEO of SAIT Polytechnic. "While the Trades and Technology Complex provides a state-of-the-art environment for students, the SAIT Opportunities Fund gives us the flexibility to keep pace with changes in industry, purchase leading-edge equipment or create new training programs."

BURNCO is a fourth generation family business established in Calgary in 1912 by James F. Burns. Today, it employs more than 1,000 and is Canada's largest independent supplier of ready-mix concrete, a major supplier of asphalt and aggregate products, and operator of a network of Landscape Centres in Western Canada.

"Many existing and retired BURNCO employees are SAIT alumni," says Scott Burns, CEO of BURNCO. "Partnering with this great institution will see even more activity in the future as our next-100-years workforce will require highly skilled, engaged people holding a pragmatic post-secondary education."

This generous gift - presented to SAIT by Scott Burns and his wife Tracy Wright - is an extension of growing strength in the relationship between BURNCO and SAIT. One of SAIT's Community Partners, BURNCO has supported the polytechnic for years through hiring graduates and co-funding employee apprenticeships.

About SAIT Polytechnic
SAIT Polytechnic is one of Canada's most exciting destinations for post-secondary education, offering more than 100 career programs that position people for success in technology, trades and business. A leader in innovation, SAIT also collaborates with industry on applied research and delivers corporate training worldwide. sait.ca

For additional information, please contact:

Melanie Simmons, Public Relations Specialist
SAIT Polytechnic
Direct: 403.284.8473
Cell: 403.512.3291
melanie.simmons@sait.ca