Ottawa, Ontario – February 28, 2019 – Following a successful first year of its Hands to Larger Service Program, 4-H Canada is pleased to announce the second cohort of Youth Service Leaders who will support the delivery of youth-led service projects across Canada in 2019. This exceptional group of 22 Youth Service Leaders will travel from coast to coast throughout the summer, working in partnership with youth taking part in 4-H Canada’s Club to Club Exchanges, planning and implementing service projects based on needs identified within their communities.

“I am proud to recognize our newest Youth Service Leaders, a group of 4-H youth who I hold in high esteem for their hard work and dedication to community engagement,” said Erin Smith, 4-H Canada’s Director of Programs. “I am eager to see what they will accomplish in partnership with their 4-H peers as they create positive change in the communities and areas of interest they are passionate about.”

4-H Canada’s Hands to Larger Service program is an opportunity for senior 4-H youth and young alumni to advance their leadership skills, gaining important skills and knowledge in co-creation and project management, through hands-on experience. The program, created as part of the Government of Canada’s Canada Service Corps, will create lasting impacts in communities across the country while fostering the 4-H values of community engagement and contributing to a culture of youth service in Canada.

“4-H Canada’s Hands to Larger Service program gives young Canadians the chance to take an active role in community leadership,” says the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour. “This program is made possible through Canada Service Corps, our government’s youth service initiative, which gives young Canadians opportunities to practice leadership, develop their skills and gain life experiences.”

The name of the program itself is a direct nod to 4-H Canada’s time-honoured pledge, in which members, volunteers and supporters pledge their “hands to larger service,” a commitment reflected through the everyday actions of 4-H’ers. Thanks to the Government of Canada’s funding, and the generous support of partner McDonald’s Canada, this initiative demonstrates why 4-H Canada’s is a leader in positive youth development, empowering responsible, caring and contributing youth, committed to creating a positive impact in their communities and the world around them.

“McDonald’s Canada is proud to once again be partnering with 4-H Canada on the Hands to Larger Service program,” said John Betts, President and CEO, McDonald’s Canada. “Our partnership with 4-H Canada demonstrates our shared commitment to empowering Canadian youth, connecting young people to their communities and promoting our country’s rich agricultural heritage. We congratulate this year’s Youth Service Leaders and wish them the best of luck in their projects as they work to better the communities around them.”