The Canada West Equipment Dealers Association is pleased to announce that over $80,000 was raised for the Canada Equipment Dealers Foundation (CEDF) at the association's 2014 annual general meeting and convention. The funds were raised through a variety of events, including a silent and live auction, and private donations.

"With the assistance of our industry partners, we came up with some innovative ideas for auction items," stated 2014 CWEDA President Cameron Bode. "The response from our members exceeded our expectations, and we are now able to fund even more projects to meet our members' greatest need; finding more mechanics.

"On behalf of the CEDF Board, I would like to thank the Canada West board and membership for raising significant funds for important educational initiatives," added Gail Halderman, CEDF Vice President. "Canada West is the leader in the industry in providing scholarships to colleges, capital funding for programs and dealership employee training."

Canada West would like to thank Ritchie Bros, Great Plains Auctioneers, Western Life Assurance and Kubota for their assistance; as well as the many suppliers who provided silent auction items.

The CEDF was established in 1998, and since inception it has distributed over $1.4million in western Canada to current and prospective employees, colleges for training programs, scholarships and capital funding. Canada West, through the CEDF has provided capital funding to Olds College, Assiniboine Community College and SIAST and provides two scholarship programs to its dealer members. 

Comments or questions about the Canada Equipment Dealers Foundation can be sent to info@cweda.ca.