Carol Pittman spent her youth in a 4-H horse club in Lacadena, Sask.
So when she married and moved to a ranch at Kyle, Sask., she was
surprised that there was no 4-H club in the district.
Eight years ago, she and Stan Figley of Whitebear, Sask., started a
program and became leaders in a beef club.
That action has led to Pittman being named Saskatchewan’s volunteer
leader of the year. In a draw from the hat among the 10 provincial
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winners, she was named the national winner.
She will receive her $1,100 award at a banquet in Toronto in early
November.
“4-H is so good for kids,” said Pittman, whose youngest son has just
finished eight years in the club. He is now farming with his parents
but spends some time in the winter cattle fitting, a skill developed by
4-H.
“So many kids say, ‘I put 4-H on my resume and it got me my job.’ “
The award was established two years ago by the Co-operators insurance
company and the Canadian 4-H Council to celebrate the United Nations’
international year of the volunteer. The heavy response led the
partners to make it an annual award.
More than 32,000 4-H members across the country depend on more than
10,000 volunteer leaders to run clubs and oversee projects, said the
council in a News release
news.
Other western winners are Cathy Mumford of Alexis Creek, B.C., Leona
Petherbridge of Bon Accord, Alta., and Bill Windsor of La Riviere, Man.
Elizabeth Crouse, president of the Canadian 4-H Council, said the
leaders are “people in our communities who step forward to give their
time and their energy for the benefit of our children and youth. As we
approach the 90th anniversary of 4-H in Canada, we reflect on the many
lives that have been shaped and guided by outstanding volunteers in
this program.”
