Principal Ron MacDonald couldn’t hold back his enthusiasm as the first of two truck loads of wood arrived at the Port Hope High School on Thursday, June 17, 2021.
The truck loads of lumber were donated by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories as part of their remediation of Highland Drive for use at the school’s woodworking shop class.
MacDonald who is also an arborist was overjoyed at the donation.
“I’m delighted – like a kid in a candy store,” as the first truck pulled in.
“It’s a wonderful community initiative and we’re delighted that PHAI (Port Hope Area Initiative) is involved in supporting the school, and supporting our kids. It’s a win-win all around.”
MacDonald said without the donation the students would never get the skills they’ll be learning from the donation.
“Absolutely we couldn’t. We couldn’t afford the logs and we wouldn’t have the opportunity for teaching the kids the skills.”
Types of wood that were donated were hardwood and softwood including, oak, cherry, pine and birch.
“We’re going to teach them chainsaw skills, milling skills, wood construction skills so there is lots of good coming out of this.”
Environmental stewardship is a core value for Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, said Communications Officer with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Communication Spokesperson Sandra Weeks.
“All of these trees had to be removed from the Highland Drive Landfill Site in order to complete our remediation.”
Weeks states that all of the trees were scanned for any radiation before leaving the Highland Drive Site.
“They are surplus for us, so I actually have kids that come to Port Hope High School and I know Mr. MacDonald really well, so we called him and asked if he might want it for shop class.”
“It’s great for us because our main goal is environmental stewardship so we’re able to take this wood and donate it. It’s a fantastic school and this is one more way that we can make it a great place for our kids to learn.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
