Ottawa, Ontario – January 15, 2020 – 4-H Canada is pleased to announce the naming of Carm Hamilton, P.Ag. (Ontario), and Kim McConnell, C.M. (Alberta), as Honourary Members of 4-H Canada. Proudly supported by RBC, 4-H Canada’s Honourary Membership is a distinction bestowed upon individuals whose dedication and passionate contributions have advanced the 4-H movement in Canada. Both will be honoured February 10, 2020 at the 4-H Canada Leadership Awards at the National Arts Center in Ottawa.

Carm Hamilton is a long-time champion for the development of rural communities, and a mentor to rural youth in Ontario. He worked as a long-time public servant of the then-named Ontario Department of Agriculture in several positions responsible for 4-H, including as Supervisor of Youth overseeing the 4-H Agricultural Club Program from 1966 to 1976. During his time overseeing the 4-H program in Ontario, Carm was instrumental in the growth and evolution of the 4-H program, supporting 4-H’s transition from a focus on projects to today’s focus on the personal development of the individual 4-H member. In 1967, Carm received the Canadian Centennial Medal and was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.

Kim McConnell of Alberta has been giving back to his community since his days in Hamiota, Manitoba’s McConnell 4-H Beef Club, the longest continually active 4-H club in Canada. He is a catalyst for the advancement of agri-food and is a founder of AdFarm, one of the largest agricultural marketing communications firms in North America. Since 2008, Kim has dedicated himself to positions on the Canadian 4-H Foundation and the 4-H Canada Board of Directors, where he has been influential in the growth of the 4-H movement in Canada, while ensuring 4-H youth have a voice at the national level of the organization and in the agriculture sector. Kim was named to the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2012, has received numerous national business awards, and in 2017 was appointed to the Order of Canada for his years of service to his community and country.

“The passion and commitment both Carm Hamilton and Kim McConnell have given to the 4-H program has been vital to its strength and its impact on youth in Canada,” said Valerie Stone, Chair of the 4-H Canada Board of Directors. “Both of these outstanding individuals believe strongly in empowering youth to become responsible, caring and contributing leaders through 4-H’s positive youth development approach. We are delighted to bestow this prestigious honour upon Carm and Kim.”

“RBC is proud to support 4-H Canada in recognizing Carm Hamilton and Kim McConnell as two outstanding members of the 4-H community,” says Ryan Riese, National Director, Agriculture at RBC. “These individuals have supported the profound advancements of the 4-H program by lending their passion and skills to build vibrant young citizens across the country.”

The 4-H Canada Honourary Membership was created in 1950 to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to 4-H in Canada. With the addition of Carm Hamilton and Kim McConnell, there are now 71 inductees as lifetime Honourary Members.

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

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