| | The Canadian 4-H Council recently announced three Honourary Member recipients at its 2009 Annual Conference and General Meeting. Honourary membership is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a positive impact in the 4-H program through their work, commitment and leadership.
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Nominees, who may have served 4-H in a volunteer, professional (i.e. paid staff) or any other appropriate capacity, must have been involved in one or more levels of 4-H work for a minimum of ten years, and must demonstrate significant initiative, leadership and a positive impact on the program.
"We were very pleased to award Honourary Membership to Gordon Bryant, John J. MacDonald, and Gary Skogberg," said Judy Shaw, president of the Canadian 4-H Council. "Each of these individuals has exemplified a commitment to the 4-H program in Canada, and their tireless efforts has helped make 4-H such a great program for Canadian youth."
Gary Skogberg, Calgary, Alberta, (formerly from Saskatchewan) has been actively involved with the Canadian 4-H Council for more than 15 years, and his commitment to the 4-H program has been demonstrated in the number of roles he has taken on. Gary works with the Co-operators, where he is the member representative for the Canadian 4-H Council and has devoted countless hours in supporting Council activities. He has sat on various committees, including the financial management and public relations committees, and has served as a president of the Canadian 4-H Council from 2001-2002. The Youth Advisory Committee is also supported by The Co-operators. As a key sponsor and contributor for the Canadian 4-H Council and Canadian 4-H Foundation, the Co-operators is a valued partner for the 4-H program. Gary's tireless efforts and commitment to 4-H has helped to make this such a strong partnership.
Gordon Bryant worked with 4-H and the British Columbia youth development programs for more than 30 years before retiring in 2004. His continuing work in the agricultural industry and 4-H has set a strong example for devotion and commitment to the 4-H program. Gordon grew up on a dairy farm in Rosedale, British Columbia, where he established a strong foundation in the agricultural industry and 4-H. As a youth member, he attended National 4-H Conference in 1967, and began his work in 4-H as a 4-H summer assistant during his summer vacations from University. With his work in the 4-H and Youth Development Programs, Gordon has inspired staff, young people and volunteers to work together and build communities that work and grow together. He has served as a president of the Canadian 4-H Council, been recognized for his financial contributions to 4-H and recently received honourary membership with the British Columbia 4-H Council.
John J. MacDonald has been a part of the 4-H program in for more than 50 years, and his commitment to the program is unparalleled. As a youth, John was a member of 4-H for eight years, and he has since been involved in 4-H on every level of the program, including his role as a leader and judge for 4-H achievement days. He has been enthusiastically involved in agriculture his entire life, and continues to support the 4-H program through his ongoing activities with 4-H and his work with 4-H in Prince Edward Island. In addition to his time with 4-H, John has gone to great lengths to serve his community and the agriculture industry. He has served as President for numerous agricultural associations and councils, including the P.E.I. 4-H Council, Canadian Federation of Agriculture and the Canadian 4-H Council. He continues to support the 4-H program financially, and was recently welcomed as a Silver contributor to the P.E.I. 4-H Trust Heart Club.
4-H is one of the country's longest-running and most respected youth organizations, offering fun, excitement and learning for youth in communities large and small across Canada. More than 8,500 trained volunteer Leaders help more than 26,000 4-H Members develop self-confidence and learn a wide variety of skills through hands-on project work. The Canadian 4-H Council was founded in 1933 to oversee all national 4-H affairs.
Note: a photo is available upon request from the Canadian 4-H Council.
Contact:
Ken Lancastle
Communications and Marketing Manager
Canadian 4-H Council
klancastle@4-h-canada.ca
613-234-4448 ext. 27 |
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