GUELPH ONT. (September 1, 2022) – August 24, 2022 marked the official first day of 4-H Ontario’s permanent remote working model as they handed over the keys to their office building in Rockwood, Ont. The Ontario 4-H Council unanimously voted to sell the 4-H Ontario office building at the beginning of 2022. Upon accepting an offer, the organization secured a partnership with EastGen in Guelph, Ont. to rent space in their office to store programming and marketing materials.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of EastGen,” says Christine Oldfield, Executive Director, 4-H Ontario. “While all our staff will permanently work remotely, we are glad to have a space to call home where we can store materials and come together in-person if needed.”
Prior to COVID-19, about one third of the 4-H Ontario staff worked remotely. They supported fellow staff with tips and tricks as all staff were forced to make the jump to remote work amidst the pandemic. All 4-H Ontario staff have been working remotely now for more than two years and have never missed a beat. The team embraced new digital tools that allowed them to work collaboratively and efficiently in a remote environment.
“4-H Ontario will see significant annual cost savings by renting space in comparison to owning and maintaining an office building. The organization can then attribute more funds to youth programming and volunteer support across the province,” says Laurie Farquharson, President, Ontario 4-H Council.
The new 4-H Ontario mailing address is 7660 Mill Road. Guelph, Ontario, Canada. N1H 6J1. While mail will be monitored, the office space will not be regularly staffed and therefore is not open to the public.
—30—
About 4-H Ontario
4-H Ontario is a non-profit positive youth development organization that builds youth as leaders within their communities and assets to the world. With roots in rural Ontario, today it is open to youth of all backgrounds across the province. 4-H youth ages 6–21 and screened, engaged volunteer leaders come together to learn about selected topics through fun hands-on activities and mentorship. There are also provincial camps, conferences, competitions and national and international travel opportunities available to further develop skills in leadership, business, self-confidence and more. 4-H provides youth with a place they can be involved, accepted, valued and heard while developing valuable skills for leadership and life.
For more information please contact:
Laura Goulding, Manager, Communications, 4-H Ontario
519.803.5026, communications@4-hontario.ca