Outstanding Volunteer Leaders Recognized by 4-H Canada and The Co-operators

Ottawa, ON – January 28, 2015 – 4-H Canada and The Co-operators are pleased to announce the national and provincial recipients of the 2014 4-H Volunteer Leader of the Year Award.

This award was created to recognize the significant and pivotal role volunteer leaders play in the 4-H program. 4-H Canada’s proven ability of building responsible, caring and strong Canadian youth who effect positive change would not be possible without the passion and dedication of our volunteer leaders.

The call for nominations for the 4-H Volunteer Leader of the Year Award took place in the fall of 2014 and was driven by member reference letters and recommendations. A total of 11 provincial winners were selected from the pool of applicants. The provincial winners were then put forward to a national judging panel, who selected the national winner.

The 2014 winners are as follows:
2014 4-H National Volunteer Leader of the Year
Jeanette Gallant, Evangeline 4-H Club, PEI

2014 4-H Provincial Volunteer Leader of the Year
British Columbia - Lorna Kotz (Vernon Young Riders)
Alberta - Corine Verbeek (RQB Rancheros)
Saskatchewan - Christine Trombley (Carrot River Light Horse 4-H)
Manitoba - Fleurette Geirnaert (Mariapolis-Baldur 4-H Club)
Ontario - Karen Baker (Beeton/Bradford Dairy Club)
Quebec - Marlene Burns (Sawyerville 4-H Club)
Association des Jeunes Ruraux du Québec (AJRQ) - Nadine Lalande (Basses-Laurentides AJRQ)
New Brunswick -Sharon Lutwick (Northampton 4-H Club)
Nova Scotia - Sharlene Carter-Earle (Double “D” 4-H Club)
Newfoundland - Suzanne McCormack (4-H Challenging Pioneers)

“It is with great joy that I accept the 4-H National Volunteer Leader of the Year Award in the name of all the devoted leaders from our PEI 4-H club,” said Gallant. “I would like to extend a special thank you to the three youth who nominated me, and to co-leader, Monique Bernard Kinch. I really appreciate their thoughtfulness.”

“4-H is a fantastic program for youth, and I am very proud to be a part of it,” continued Gallant. “4-H has certainly helped me become the person I am today, and I am happy and grateful to continue my involvement with this great program that gives me so much in return.”

Each provincial winner will receive $100, as well as a prize package. As the national winner, Gallant will receive $1000 and an invitation to the 2015 4-H Canada Leadership Summit to be held in Ottawa in February. Here, Gallant will be recognized during an award ceremony, plus benefit from the chance to connect with leaders from across the country, and participate in innovative workshops covering many different areas of the 4-H program.

“The selection criteria for this award include club and community participation, length of involvement in 4-H, and impact on 4-H members. Each and every one of this year’s winners has not only met the selection criteria, but they have also shown true passion and commitment for the 4-H movement, and we could not be more grateful for their contributions,” said 4-H Canada CEO Shannon Benner.

Benner also commended The Co-operators for their support of the 4-H Volunteer Leader of the Year Award, stating, “4-H Canada is so fortunate to have a partner like The Co-operators, who understand how invaluable our leaders are. The 4-H program could not exist without the contributions of responsible and motivated leaders across the country, and with support from The Co-operators, we are proud to honour them.”

“For close to a decade, The Co-operators has helped 4-H Canada recognize and reward volunteer leaders who help to make 4-H such a vibrant program,” added The Co-operators’ Director of the National Farm Portfolio, Gary Skogberg. “With more than 7,700 volunteer leaders across Canada, there are so many individuals who contribute their time, expertise and dedication to 4-H. That is why we, at The Co-operators, are pleased to recognize these contributions with this annual award. Congratulations to Jeannette, and all of the provincial winners, and a huge thank you for all you do for Canada’s youth!”
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About 4-H Canada
For over 100 years, 4-H Canada has been one of the most highly respected youth organizations in Canada. 4-H Canada has more than 25,000 members and 7,700 volunteers. Our goal is to help young Canadians “Learn To Do By Doing” in a safe, inclusive and fun environment. We believe in nurturing responsible, engaged and confident leaders who are committed to positively impacting their communities across Canada and around the world. To learn more about 4-H Canada, please visit www.4-H-Canada.ca.

About The Co-operators
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $33 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. The Co-operators is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt; Corporate Knights’ Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada; and the Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations in Canada by Sustainalytics and Maclean’s magazine. For more information, please visit www.cooperators.ca.
To find a Financial Advisor in your area visit: https://www.cooperators.ca/en/PublicPages/AgentLocator.aspx

For more information, media may contact:
Christine Moses, Marketing and Communications Manager
4-H Canada
cmoses@4-h-canada.ca
1-844-759-1013 (ext 29)