Area 4-H clubs get funding from Farm Credit Canada

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Local 4-H clubs in Cecil Lake and Fort St. John received funding through Farm Credit Canada (FCC).

In British Columbia alone, 26 4-H clubs received $13,000 combined.

Silver Willow 4-H Club in Fort St. John and Green Valley in Cecil Lake received funding through the FCC 4-H Club Fund.

The FCC 4-H Club Fund provides up to $500 to clubs for developing existing programs, purchasing materials or covering costs of local events.

“Thanks to FCC, our strong partner of more than 25 years, this fund will once again serve as an important resource for 4-H at the grassroots level, supporting the exciting activities of our 4-H clubs across Canada,” said Shannon Benner, 4-H Canada CEO.

“Through support from the FCC 4-H Club Fund, 4-H youth leaders have the opportunity to further their engagement in activities and programming in the areas that they are passionate about, empowering them as engaged and responsible youth who effect positive change not just within their communities, but around the world.”

The fund is part of a $250,000 commitment by Farm Credit Canada in 2021-2022 to help support local clubs as well as programming and initiatives of 4-H Canada and provincial 4-H clubs.

“Many of our customers and employees have benefited from 4-H programs. Others have seen first-hand the excitement and enthusiasm in the faces of young people participating in these activities,” said Todd Klink, FCC’s chief marketing officer. “Whether or not those who participate in a 4-H club decide to pursue a career in agriculture, these programs provide a toolbox of leadership skills they can carry with them the rest of their lives.”

Interested groups can apply for the next round of funding in August 2022.

4-H Canada has been one of the most recognized youth development organizations for over 100 years. With close to 17,000 members and over 8,100 volunteer leaders, the goal of the club is to help young Canadians “learn to do by doing.”

Farm Credit Canada is the leading agriculture and food lender with a loan portfolio of over $41 billion.

To find out more about 4-H Canada, visit the website.