4-H Canada celebrates 100th anniversary

Do you have dancing shoes but hardly ever wear them? Did you get your first job or maybe your last job because you had 4-H on your resume? Did you show a calf at a local fair or maybe even at the Royal Winter Fair?  Do you still know how to make muffins without tunnels? Did you meet your husband, best friend or mentor at 4-H.?

Well 4-H Canada is looking for you. The organization is looking for all friends of 4-H to help celebrate its 100th anniversary. Celebrations will take place all over Canada, in small towns, in large cities, but especially in Roland, Manitoba.

4-H in Canada all started there in Manitoba. Roland is recognized as the birthplace of 4-H in Canada as it was the community in which the first organizational meeting for a Boys and Girls Club was held in 1913. At the time there were also seven other communities in Manitoba that formed Boys and Girls Clubs: Darlingford, Manitou, Neepawa, Oak Lake, Starbuck, Stonewall and Warren.

In 2013, 4-H will be celebrating this milestone event from coast-to-coast with local, provincial and national events. 4-H Canada is pleased to partner with Enbridge Pipelines Inc., national sponsor of 100th anniversary celebrations across the country. Food drives, cakes, dancing and 4-H mascot Frisco will all be part of the celebrations.

But if you still have those dancing shoes they will be put to good use at the special 100th anniversary gala evening themed Food for Thought. 4-H Canada, on May 30 at the Fairmont Hotel in Winnipeg, is hoping to see many 4-H supporters attend.

Can’t dance, can’t attend the gala? Then perhaps you would like to make a donation to a local food bank in their honour. When you are dropping off your donation ask them how many pounds and send 4-H Canada an email. Officials are keeping track with a goal to raise one pound for every member.  

4-H Canada’s national legacy fundraising campaign is $100 for 100 years. For 100 years, 4-H programming in Canada has been helping youth build confidence, learn new skills and become leaders of tomorrow. The goal of the campaign is to raise $100,000 in recognition of 100 years in Canada.  Can you donate $100? If you can’t donate $1000 can you donate $10? Your contribution will go directly towards improving and expanding programs across Canada, growing 4-H opportunities in all areas of the country and introducing 4-H to a whole new generation.

Do you have any historical materials that you would like to share, photos, videos, documents?  They are looking for those too. 4-H Canada wants to establish a living history that can be continued to be added to over the next 100 years.

To find out about more events that will take place over the year or to donate $1000 go to www.4-h-canada.ca.  Information is also available on Facebook at 4-H Canada or by emailing 100@4-hontario.ca.