Farm Credit Canada or FCC have announced the recipients of their 2024 FCC 4-H Club Fund. This fund helps provide 4-H clubs across Canada with money to use in their operations. The FCC Club Fund has been in operation since 2013 and has given out over $1 million to over 2100 4-H clubs across Canada. Hugh Maynard is the interim CEO with 4-H Canada, who understands the impact this funding can have.
“FCC supports farmers with credit and financing across the country, but they also have a community involvement and 4-H is one of those that they've been involved with for many years. In this particular case, it's the support for the 4-H club fund. The core of the foundation is on a local level and those are all run by volunteers, the kids are members that participate and so all the money that they have to undertake activities is fundraising and donations.”
The fund will give out up to $500 to hundreds of 4-H clubs throughout Canada, including 34 clubs in Saskatchewan. The funding stays directly with the clubs and is used for a variety of projects within their community. Maynard states that this funding helps the clubs be active contributors within said communities.
“That goes right towards the clubs in the small communities you know, helping out the kids that are active with the 4-H. As a parent, my kids were in 4-H away back when, of course they're adults now with their kids in 4-H, but I remember the same program so that’s how far back it goes. Essentially, it gives the local outfit some money to do something to contribute towards their community. Examples being, setting up a riding arena for kids with disabilities so they can learn to exercise and use their muscles."
FCC is proud to continue to support local community-minded clubs such as 4-H Canada. In the FCC’s news release, Justine Hendricks, FCC president and CEO said, “FCC is proud to support 4-H Canada and its programs, including through the FCC 4-H Club Fund. 4-H Canada exemplifies the character, hard work, and innovation that drives the success of Canada’s agriculture industry. We are grateful for the work 4-H does in providing exceptional programming to support the next generation of producers.”