The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Educational Foundation’s annual Plumbing and HVAC Apprentice Contests ran Oct. 5 and 6 at CONNECT 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. These contests would not be possible without the hard work of our volunteers and generous support of our sponsors. To continue in the spirit of giving, at the conclusion of the contests the PHCC Educational Foundation donates much of the materials used in the competitions to local charities. This year, the Foundation was able to provide those materials to the Charlotte Region Habitat for Humanity organization.

Habitat for Humanity converts material donations into funding for their mission through their ReStores — a chain of home improvement thrift stores that sell donated new and gently used merchandise at a significant discount to the general public. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity as it builds homes, communities and hope for families in need of affordable homeownership.

“When the apprentice contests end, we disassemble and ship back all the items that can be reused the following year,” said Dale Powell, foundation apprentice contest project manager. “But bulky and fragile materials like sinks and toilets just can’t make that trip. Fortunately, our sponsors like Kohler provide local material donations each year wherever the contest is being held. Donating those materials to Habitat for Humanity at the end of the competition ensures that they are put to good use in the local community.”

The Foundations Plumbing and HVAC contests provide a platform for today’s industry professionals to showcase their skills and promote serving the community through the generosity of outstanding volunteers and donors.