Recipients are from Bruce County, York and Elgin County
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
4-H Ontario, the organization designed to help today’s youth be tomorrow’s leaders awarded three people from various regions in Ontario with the 4-H Ontario Arbor Award.
The award, sponsored by Syngenta, is given to people who have “shown significant leadership, initiative and made a positive impact on 4-H at various levels (club, local, regional, provincial and/or national).”
The winners are:
Anne MacInnes
For 20 years, she’s been a leader in Bruce County. She’s been a board member and acted as a leader for the baking, life skills, athletics, conversation and livestock clubs. She volunteered her time at various 4-H events.
Outside of 4-H, she contributes to the Ripley, Ontario community and local church. She is involved with the agricultural society, fall fair, curling, Brownies and Scouts clubs.
As a leader with the Protecting Plant Earth Conservation Club, she started working with the Pine River Watershed Initiative Network and in her seven years there has helped plant up to 5,000 trees per year.
Carrie Purcell
Representing York region, she’s been with 4-H in a volunteer role for 19 years. In 2011, she was elected as a Director on the Ontario 4-H Council.
She opens her barn to members of the Horse Club to teach members about dealing with animals. She also serves as Chairman of Seneca College’s Advisory Committee for Veterinary Technology and fundraises for the South York Region Cancer Society.
Pat Palmer
Over 22 years of 4-H volunteering experience to her name and holding down the titles of President and Secretary are just some of the her accomplishments from Elgin County. She coordinated the Go For The Gold and chaperoned and coached the local Elgin team when they represented Region 6 at the Royal Winter Fair.
She’s been part of the Shedden Women’s Institute for 25 years and is designated as a Life Member.
“These three individuals embody the very essence of this award,” said Evelyn Chambers, Senior Manager, Volunteer & Community Engagement, 4-H Ontario. “4-H Ontario and each of the recipients’ communities are very fortunate to have these dedicated, caring volunteers in their midst.”
The 4-H Arbor Award was established in 2001 and the first winners were Ellen Chojko-Bolec, Agnes Foster, Phyllis O’Neil, Myrna Rae, Karen Seymour and Bruce Witmer.
Volunteers