Langley Company Celebrates 10 Years of Giving with Furnace Donations

A Langley-based heating company is marking a decade of community support through its annual Spirit of Giving campaign. Airco Heating & Cooling, a family-run business located in Willoughby, will provide a new, high-efficiency gas furnace to a deserving individual or family later this year. This initiative, started by Dan Hunter, the company’s president and general manager, reflects a commitment to giving back to the community.

Hunter’s inspiration for the campaign came during a conversation at a heating industry conference in Las Vegas. “We were looking for a way to sort of give back to the community, do something different,” he said. The first Spirit of Giving campaign was launched shortly after, with nominations pouring in from the local community.

One particularly poignant nomination came in the early years of the campaign. It was from the grandmother of Jordan McIldoon, a victim of the tragic mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest music festival on October 1, 2017. The grandmother shared that the family had intended to replace their furnace, but following the loss of Jordan, they were not in a position to do so. Airco responded by installing a new furnace for the McIldoon family. “We didn’t know these people, but I think everybody felt for them,” Hunter remarked. The family expressed their gratitude in a heartfelt letter, stating, “Your kindness and love has helped to fill the cracks in our broken hearts.”

Another recent recipient of Airco’s generosity was a senior mother named Gail from Aldergrove. Facing financial constraints while caring for an adult child with disabilities, Gail reached out to Airco for a cost estimate to replace her old furnace. Recognizing her situation, a friend nominated her for the Spirit of Giving program. “It made sense, so we went out, replaced the furnace, and she was in tears,” Hunter recalled. He noted how touching it was to provide support to someone who had dedicated her life to caring for others.

As the campaign enters its tenth year, Airco Heating & Cooling is actively seeking nominations for their next Spirit of Giving project. Interested individuals can submit nominations online at https://www.aircoheating.ca/community/spirit-of-giving/. While the program ideally supports homeowners, the focus is on families facing challenges that prevent them from upgrading their heating systems.

Hunter’s vision for the Spirit of Giving has not only provided essential services to those in need but has also fostered a sense of community and compassion in Langley. As the campaign progresses, it continues to highlight the impact of kindness and support, reminding residents of the warmth that can come from helping one another.