St. Benedict Catholic Secondary teacher John Doyon figured he had nothing to lose when he applied for a grant through Lowes Canada for his woodshop class.

Each year, Lowes Canada gives away $10,000 to community organizations to support their projects.

Doyon had a plan for his class and thought it would be worthwhile to see if perhaps it could be funded through this initiative, according to a news release. Doyon, as well as the St. Benedict staff and students were thrilled to learn that they were successful in their grant application and would receive a cheque for $5,000 to support their project.

Based on the curriculum expectations, Doyon's project involves the production of a tool crib for his woodshop classes that would allow for improved monitoring of tool inventory for the school. As part of the application process, the students had to put together and submit all specs for the project including design and drawings.

The group also had to endorse their project to Lowes and show them why they should support and fund the project. Mike Porter, manager for the Sudbury Lowes, presented Doyon with a $5,000 cheque on February 5 on behalf of the store.

“What a great surprise for the students and staff at St. Benedict,” said Doyon. “We are very thankful to Lowes for generously supporting us with this project, and are excited to get started with the second semester class to bring our idea and project design to fruition.”

The class will be working to get the tool crib plans constructed and finished by June.