The Story Behind the Goetz Family Construction & Trades Award

When Sara, a student award alumni herself, brought up the idea of their family starting a student award, Brandon was surprised that an award based on trades could be done. However, his wife, as a staff member of ACF, shared with him that all kinds of awards were offered under the Student Award Program.

Brandon had spent most of his 20s working in the trades, particularly in carpentry. It wasn’t an obvious career path for him in high school but he’s really enjoyed working in construction and found that his work ethic, skill, and abilities really came together in carpentry. The idea of helping other people find their passion in the trades and getting their Red Seal, really appealed to him. 

With the idea planted by his wife and additional funding support from his mother in law, the Goetz Family Construction & Trades Award was started in 2022. It truly is a family affair dedicated to supporting young people looking to pursue a post secondary education in a trades field. Students who apply also need to demonstrate care for their community through some type of service or volunteerism. 

Both Sara and Brandon have worked to support community in all kinds of ways. Offering this award is just another way that they are able to give back to the city they were born and raised in and continue to call home. 

Listen to Brandon as he explains how he was inspired to become a Student Award Maker with the Abbotsford Community Foundation.

Learn how you can become a Student Award Maker, too! Please contact our Executive Director, Areni Kelleppan – arenik@abbotsfordcf.org.