The Peace Region youth club received a $2,500 grant as part of the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities (CFGC) program, sponsored by the Bayer Fund, that allows farmers to nominate small town non-profits. North Peace 4-H received the grant thanks to BC farmer Rick Kantz.
“It gave a big boost to the community,” said North Peace 4-H President Eckbert Weitzel. “It’s always exciting to see things comes together.”
North Peace 4-H, one of the largest clubs of its kind in BC, used the grant to purchase tents for their Achievement Days, a yearly event that celebrates all the hard work the youth of 4-H have put in throughout the year to raise their animals.
“These tents really enhanced the show,” said Weitzel. Approximately 300 to 400 people attended the agricultural event in 2014, and the tents were dedicated to the beef ring, helping to facilitate the showing and sale of more than 90 4-H projects.
The event is a big draw for those in the community, involving the judging of youth projects and the sale of steers, lambs and pigs.
“All the families get involved — from the elderly to the very young,” said Weitzel. “The spectators will really appreciate the tents again this year.”
According to Weitzel, his experience with the CFGC process was both easy and simple, and he encourages others to take part.
“It’s a great program for helping non-profits achieve their goals,” said Weitzel.
In 2016, the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program gave $2,500 grants to five 4-H clubs across Canada.