Ottawa, Ontario – January 28, 2020 – 4-H Canada is thrilled to announce Canadian country music artist Gord Bamford will receive 4-H Canada’s Distinguished Alumni Award at the annual 4-H Canada Leadership Awards taking place in Ottawa on February 10, 2020.

Bamford stands as one of the most decorated artists in Canadian country music with 26 Canadian Country Music Association awards, several JUNO nominations, and two CMA Global Country Artist awards.

But it’s his work off stage that demonstrates the 4-H values he embodies. Bamford has used his success to create opportunities to effect positive change in youth through the work of the Gord Bamford Foundation, which has generated over $4 million for charities. Each year, the Foundation supports 10 to 15 charities, who focus on Canadian communities and kids.

Bamford credits his participation in his local 4-H club for his strong sense of commitment and speaks highly of the personal growth the program offered him.

“As a youngster in the 4-H program, I could not have known the impact the program would have later on in life. It taught me responsibility, leadership, preservation of country life, and service to community,” said Bamford. "The 4-H motto, Learn To Do By Doing, has become my own, helping me find a path to success and an even deeper sense of worldly purpose.”

Proudly supported by Glacier FarmMedia, the 4-H Canada Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the outstanding leadership and contributions of 4-H alumni to their communities and the greater world around them. It is awarded at the 4-H Canada Leadership Awards, the organization’s signature annual event bringing the 4-H movement together under one roof to showcase the achievements of the leaders who champion 4-H values and make 4-H possible, as well as raise funds to ensure the future of 4-H in Canada.

“The Distinguished Alumni Award is a really important one, that demonstrates to the young people taking part in our programs across the country how what they’re learning today could impact their lives tomorrow,” said 4-H Canada CEO, Shannon Benner. “Gord Bamford’s investment in and dedication to the 4-H community is a wonderful example of how the 350,000 4-H alumni across Canada have a unique opportunity to re-engage and support the empowerment of today’s generation of responsible, caring and contributing youth leaders.”

"Glacier FarmMedia is proud to partner with 4-H Canada in celebrating Gord Bamford as the winner of the Distinguished Alumni Award," says Bob Willcox, President, Glacier FarmMedia. "Mr. Bamford's leadership and community service in the arts community focused on improving young people's lives, including The Gord Bamford Foundation, is a testament of how 4-H prepares its members for success."

To learn more about the 4-H Canada Leadership Awards on February 10, 2020, visit 4-h-canada.ca/4hawards.

To learn more about the Distinguished Alumni Award at 4-h-canada.ca/awards/alumni.

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