4-H Ontario Announces the Recipients of the 2024 4-H Ontario Outstanding New Volunteer Award

GUELPH, ONT. – 4-H Ontario proudly announces the recipients of the 2024 4-H Ontario Outstanding New Volunteer Award, sponsored by Gay Lea Foods. The 2024 recipients include:  

• Lyndsay Berry of Leeds 4-H Association (Region 2), 

• Kim Schneider of Durham West 4-H Association (Region 3), 

• Lisa Craig of South Simcoe 4-H Association (Region 4), 

• Jennifer Magwood of Grey 4-H Association (Region 5), 

• Jane Danen of Oxford 4-H Association (Region 6). 

“This year’s Outstanding New Volunteer Award winners truly embody the spirit of 4-H, demonstrating exceptional dedication and passion in their work with youth.” says Megan Burnside-Poitras, Volunteer and Database Manager, 4-H Ontario. “Despite being relatively new to volunteerism with our program, their contributions have been incredibly impactful, and their involvement has greatly enriched our program.” 

The 4-H Ontario Outstanding New Volunteer Award celebrates volunteers who have been with 4-H for less than five years and embody the 4-H pledge in their work with local youth. Nominations are accepted across the province, with one award given in each region. The five award recipients will receive a custom print commissioned by 4-H Ontario and sponsored by Gay Lea Foods. 

“Gay Lea is proud to collaborate with 4-H Ontario in honouring the dedicated 4-H volunteers chosen for this award. These individuals embody the core values of 4-H, providing essential leadership and life skills to young people. We extend our congratulations to them for this achievement and encourage them to keep making a positive impact in their communities,” says Ove Hansen, Corporate Secretary / Executive Director, Member Relations, Gay Lea Foods. 

4-H Ontario gathers a committee of former Outstanding New Volunteer award recipients to review the nominations and select a winner for each region. Prior to review by the committee, identifying details such as the nominees’ name and their location are removed from the nomination documents to ensure the selection process is fair. The committee uses a point system to select the winner, evaluating each nominee regarding their length of service, ability to exemplify all elements of 4-H values, and the breadth of their service.