Local politicians and 4-H officials say the new 4-H Ontario head office here will be a great asset for both the organization and the community.
“I’m glad 4-H is staying in Wellington-Halton Hills,” MP Michael Chong said at the official opening of the new Main Street North headquarters on Oct. 25.
4-H moved into the commercially-zoned century home in April.
Chong told a crowd of dozens at the open house that it is “more important than ever” to ensure local children and youths have a connection to agriculture.
Guelph-Eramosa Mayor Chris White said he is enthused the organization is staying in his township (it was formerly located at the EastGen building on Highway 6, north of Guelph).
White said having 4-H Ontario in Rockwood is “a real thrill” for the township. He noted the difference between 4-H and a 7-Eleven – which was once proposed on the site – is like “night and day.”
John den Haan, president of the 4-H Ontario Council, said 4-H will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in Ontario in 2015.
He said that type of longevity would not have been possible without the help of 4-H volunteers and sponsors.
He specifically mentioned the generosity of EastGen officials, who hosted the organization for over a decade following its move from the OMAF building in Guelph.
“It certainly helped us get to this stage,” said den Haan.
Dr. Rob McLaughlin, chair of the Ontario 4-H Foundation, said the new building in Rockwood pays tribute to the organization’s legacy and will help it move forward in the future.
“We’re delighted with the move,” said McLaughlin.
Amanda Macdougall, from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, also offered congratulations to 4-H officials, as did MPP Ted Arnott.
4-H has changed the lives of so many young people for the better, Arnott said.
He added the organization should be proud of its 6,000 members and 1,600 volunteers in the province, and said it is great to have 4-H begin its second century in the province in Rockwood.
Debra Brown, executive director of 4-H Ontario, emceed last week’s ceremony and thanked everyone for attending.
“We’re very proud to have reached a stage in our organization’s existence where owning property is both feasible and beneficial to our longevity,” Brown said in a press release. “This new office location will provide a showcase for 4-H Ontario’s storied history, which is ideal as we approach our 100th anniversary in 2015.”
For information on 4-H Ontario, visit 4-hontario.ca.
