While they moved in to their new Rockwood home this spring, representatives from 4-H Ontario came to Guelph-Eramosa council last week to formally introduce themselves.
Debra Brown, interim director of 4-H Ontario, called the organization’s new headquarters – a century home at 111 Main Street – “reflective of our age and mandate.”
She noted the provincial branch of 4-H will in 2015 mark 100 years of serving youths in rural and small town Ontario.
The organization currently boasts about 6,000 members and 1,600 volunteers, she explained.
Valerie Stone, Ontario’s representative on 4-H Canada’s Youth Advisory Committee, told council 4-H incorporates the philosophy of “leaders building leaders.”
She relayed her personal story about learning so much in 4-H clubs – over and above what she learned in school.
Noting the site that now houses 4-H Ontario was once the proposed home for a 7-Eleven, Mayor Chris White said he is glad 4-H is in Rockwood ensuring rural heritage is alive and well.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have you,” White told the delegation. “This is the type of organization we need in our community.”
Councillor Doug Breen said he “couldn’t be happier” 4-H Ontario chose Rockwood as its new home. He added for him personally, the organization was “a game changer,” forcing him out of his “comfort zone” as a youth and helping him with public speaking and other vital tasks.
4-H Ontario will host an open house at its new headquarters at 111 Main Street in Rockwood on Oct. 25 from 3 to 7pm.
