Ottawa, Ontario – January 29, 2019 – 4-H Canada continues to be a leading positive youth development organization in Canada thanks to its volunteers and as such is pleased to honour all 7,700 across Canada and 2018’s National Volunteer Leader of the Year recipient, Karen Chambers. This year these outstanding volunteer leaders will be celebrated at the 2019 4-H Canada Leadership Awards happening in Saskatoon on January 31, 2019.

Karen Chambers from the Chilliwack 4-H Club in British Columbia, was chosen for this award because of her commitment to the 4-H movement and the dedication she has shown to her club and her greater community. Karen joined 4-H as a shy nine year old and immediately became a leader when she aged out of the program. Today, she has been leading her 4-H club for over 27 years.

This award, which is generously supported by The Co-operators, recognizes the important and crucial role 4-H volunteer leaders play in the program, and is driven by nominations from 4-H members who want to share the positive impact their provincial 4-H leaders have had on them and their communities.

“As a leader in the 4-H community for many years it is with great honour that I accept this award,” said Karen Chambers. “It is an amazing feeling to be nominated by my club and community and recognized nationally. Let’s keep on learning to do by doing and making a difference in the lives of youth across this country.”

“4-H would not be what it is today without the dedication and commitment our volunteers give to our members,” says David Hovell, Chair 4-H Canada Board of Directors. “Every day, we see our leaders go above and beyond for their clubs because they recognize the transformational power that 4-H has on youth. Congratulations to Karen Chambers, and all the 2018 Provincial Volunteer Leader of the Year Award recipients.”

“For more than a decade The Co-operators has proudly partnered with 4-H Canada to recognize and reward volunteer leaders who help to make 4-H such a vibrant program,” explains Steve Johnston, Director National Farm Products, The Co-operators. “With more than 7,700 volunteer leaders across the country, there are so many individuals who dedicate their time and expertise to 4-H, and we’re pleased to recognize these contributions with this annual award. Congratulations to Karen and all the provincial winners. Thank you for all you do for Canada’s youth!”

As the 2018 4-H Canada National Volunteer Leader of the Year, Ms. Chambers will receive an award package which includes a cash prize and a roundtrip ticket to Saskatoon for the Leadership Summit and Leadership Awards, where she will subsequently be honoured for her contributions to 4-H and toward helping develop future leaders in her community.

The winners of the Provincial Volunteer Leader of the Year Award are:

Anna Meakin, Double Diamond 4-H Multi Club, Alberta
Erin Cooper, Eagle Hills Multiple 4-H Club, Saskatchewan
Lenore Vandenbyllaart, Anola Northern Lights, Manitoba
Kim DeKlein, Mossley Dorchester 4-H Club, Ontario
Cindy Bowen, Hatley 4-H Club, Quebec
Maryse Michaud, Les Camarades Forestier, New Brunswick
Michele Flemming, Riverside 4-H Club, Nova Scotia
Jacquie Corcoran, Zodiac 4-H Club, Newfoundland and Labrador

To learn more about the National Volunteer Leader of the Year Award, visit 4-h-canada.ca/nvlya.

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