4-H News

4-H Ontario | (Posted December 16, 2011)

Grenville Mutual is a long standing supporter of 4-H in Eastern Ontario and supports Region 2 4-H Members and Volunteers in multiple ways. Every year, Grenville Mutual graciously donates $15 per Member to local Region 2 4-H Associations to help offset the cost of Membership fees. Grenville Mutual also supports 4-H events, they offer their office space to Region 2 Clubs to use for meetings and events, they support the Golf-East Ontario 4-H Foundation Golf Tournament, and they also created their own marketing materials to promote 4-H in their area. “4-H is as much a part of rural Ontario as we are, and in much the same way. Holding true to their values, inspiring leadership in our youth and helping to build strong communities. It’s an easy and valued partnership for us," states Grenville Mutual General Manager, Ross Lincoln (in photo on left).

This year, Grenville Mutual decided to give back even more to local 4-H Members. They introduced the inaugural Grenville Mutual Insurance 4-H Scholarship. "Much of what we do for our communities is youth focused. Our world needs strong leaders with good common sense values, so helping 4-H members further their educations just seems to make sense to us," explains Ross. One scholarship of $1,500 was awarded to Kelly Ross (in photo on right), a Russell 4-H Member, for her short essay answering “What are your ideas for the future of 4-H and how would you implement your vision?” 

Here are some excerpts from Kelly’s entry: “My vision for the 4-H program is a vibrant, dynamic organization with a strong grassroots spread of members and volunteers. It is a vision of expanded membership, leadership and opportunities in the local community, and continued opportunities at other levels. It is a vision of an organization strongly focus on the 4-H motto 'Learn to do by Doing'.”

“4-H is for everyone. The best way to spread this message is by expanding 4-H opportunities at the local level. We need to move beyond the traditional agricultural clubs, and ensure members have access to all project types. The current suite of available projects, plus the opportunity for locally approved projects, provides a long list from which we should be offering. With increased numbers of Volunteers, there can be an increased variety of project opportunities.”

"Kelly presented a long term view for the future of 4-H. Her understanding that existing volunteers are the best source for new volunteers and that there are no programs without them demonstrates insight and vision. Kelly is a wonderful advocate for 4-H Ontario," explains Ross on the selection of Kelly's winning entry. Kelly received a plaque and cheque for $1,500 for her winning entry. She, along with 16 other applicants from across Eastern Ontario, applied for the award. Applicants were required to be enrolled in the 4-H program in Region 2 for at least two years and must be entering or currently enrolled in a Post Secondary Education Program at college or university for the 2011 year. Kelly has been a Member of Russell County 4-H for 10 years and is entering her third year in the Concurrent Education Program at Nipissing University in North Bay. She is both excited and appreciative of her “ 4-H Vision” being selected as the winning entry. “I am really grateful to receive the scholarship this year. I would also like to thank Grenville Mutual Insurance Company for this amazing opportunity,” says Kelly. She also commented that the “scholarship has already been put to use to pay for part of [her] tuition.” “I think the Grenville Mutual Insurance Scholarship was a great opportunity! This scholarship is focused on giving back to the 4-H Members who have put so much into the program. Grenville Mutual Insurance is a huge sponsor of the 4-H program, and without sponsors like them, 4-H would not be able to provide its Members with such wonderful opportunities,” explains Kelly.

Congratulations Kelly and thank you Grenville Mutual for your strong 4-H support in Region 2.

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