Northern Tool + Equipment is donating professional-grade tools and equipment to Chicago Vocational Career Academy (CVS) in memory of the Bears icon, Dick Butkus.
Butkus attended Chicago Vocational High School before making a name for himself at the University of Illinois, and playing all nine seasons of his NFL career with the Bears. His love for the city and the Chicago Bears was evident throughout his life.
Prior to Butkus’ passing, the retailer had partnered with him and was working towards a donation to his alma mater as part of the company’s Tools for the Trades program, designed to address the trade labor shortage by providing professional-grade tools to high school career and technical education programs.
“After watching his father’s career as an electrician, Tools for the Trades is a program my father was passionate about,” said Matt Butkus, Dick Butkus’ son. “We are honored that Northern Tool is fulfilling this donation in his name.”
The equipment will allow Chicago Vocational Career Academy to start a new welding class and expand trade learning options to better expose students to the value of a career in the trades.
“We are so grateful for Northern Tool + Equipment’s generosity. As Dick Butkus’ alma mater, we are honored to be a part of his legacy and excited to start a new welding class for our students with this donation,” said Wesley Mickens, instructor at Chicago Vocational Career Academy.
“We are saddened by Dick’s passing. Continuing with this donation in Dick’s name is both the right and easy thing to do,” said Suresh Krishna, Northern Tool + Equipment CEO. “Through Tools for the Trades, we can honor Dick and help teachers show students what a career in the trades would be like.”
In recognition of the impact Dick Butkus had on the Chicago community, now through December 15, 2023, anyone who stops by a Northern Tool + Equipment location in Illinois and Merrillville, IN and mentions “Dick Butkus” or “Tools for the Trades” will receive $20 off of a purchase of $100 or more.
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