4H recognizes new volunteers
Lisa Craig is the local winner of the 4-H Ontario Ontario Outstanding New Volunteer Award.
Craig leads 4-H clubs and projects with a number of other volunteers in the Stayner, Cookstown, Alliston, Everett, and Barrie areas.
The 4-H Ontario Outstanding New Volunteer Award celebrates volunteers who have been with 4-H for less than five years and embody the 4-H pledge in their work with local youth.
Craig got involved with the South Simcoe 4-H Association in 2021 and has since led numerous projects including garden, adventure, photography and cooking and joined the local board of directors. Quickly taking an active role in the association, it has been noted that her communication skills, ability to connect with youth, ideas and unique perspective as a new volunteer has given her clubs and the association opportunity to grow in new ways.
“I am consistently amazed and inspired by her contributions to the South Simcoe 4-H Association” says her co-leader. “She puts others first and works hard to have fun and creates engaging games and activities that everyone enjoys. 4-H wouldn’t be the same place without her.”
Many note her positive “can-do” yet calm attitude as one of the reasons she makes a great 4-H leader. In addition, Craig continuously goes above and beyond for the youth in her clubs, whether it be connecting with a guest speaker, teaching new recipes or findingimprovements to house potted plants.
“This year’s Outstanding New Volunteer Award winners truly embody the spirit of 4-H, demonstrating exceptional dedication and passion in their work with youth,” said Megan Burnside-Poitras, Volunteer and Database Manager, 4-H Ontario. “Despite being relatively new to volunteerism with our program, their contributions have been incredibly impactful, and their involvement has greatly enriched our program.”
Nominations are accepted across the province, with one award given in each region. 4-H Ontario gathers a committee of former Outstanding New Volunteer award recipients to review the nominations and select a winner for each region. The committee uses a point system to select the winner, evaluating each nominee regarding their length of service, ability to exemplify all elements of 4-H values, and the breadth of their service.
Additional winners are: Lyndsay Berry of Leeds 4-H Association (Region 2); Kim Schneider of Durham West 4-H Association (Region 3); Jennifer Magwood of Grey 4-H Association (Region 5); and Jane Danen of Oxford 4-H Association (Region 6). The five award recipients will receive a custom print commissioned by 4-H Ontario and sponsored by Gay Lea Foods.
“Gay Lea is proud to collaborate with 4-H Ontario in honouring the dedicated 4-H volunteers chosen for this award. These individuals embody the core values of 4-H, providing essential leadership and life skills to young people. We extend our congratulations to them for this achievement and encourage them to keep making a positive impact in their communities,” said Ove Hansen, Corporate Secretary and Executive Director, Member Relations, Gay Lea Foods.
