GUELPH, ONT. (September 3, 2024) – 4-H Ontario proudly announces the recipients of the 2024 4-H Ontario Outstanding New Volunteer Award, sponsored by Gay Lea Foods. The 2024 recipients include:  

  • Lyndsay Berry of Leeds 4-H Association (Region 2), 
  • Kim Schneider of Durham West 4-H Association (Region 3), 
  • Lisa Craig of South Simcoe 4-H Association (Region 4), 
  • Jennifer Magwood of Grey 4-H Association (Region 5), 
  • Jane Danen of Oxford 4-H Association (Region 6). 

“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.” says 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.” 

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. Nominations are accepted across the province, with one award given in each region. 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,” says Ove Hansen, Corporate Secretary / Executive Director, Member Relations, Gay Lea Foods. 

4-H Ontario gathers a committee of former Outstanding New Volunteer award recipients to review the nominations and select a winner for each region. Prior to review by the committee, identifying details such as the nominees’ name and their location are removed from the nomination documents to ensure the selection process is fair. 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. 

Read on to learn about the 2024 4-H Ontario Outstanding New Volunteer Award recipients. 

Lyndsay Berry  Region 2 – Leeds 4-H Association 

Lyndsay began her 4-H journey as a participant completing 38 projects and serving as a 4-H Ontario Ambassador. Lyndsay took steps toward 4-H volunteerism in 2021 and has lead clubs such as pizza, cookie, goat, photography, chicken and egg and dairy. A fellow volunteer notes that following her time as a highly accomplished participant, she “immediately took that passion to the next level to become an incredibly involved volunteer within our organization.” Lyndsay has taken the initiative to bring new projects to the association such as photography and goat, creating more opportunities for current youth to learn and bringing new participants to the organization. She is noted as being a constant cheerleader for the youth in her clubs, as echoed by a 4-H youth: “She has helped me gain strength in and outside of the ring and has shown me what it takes to be a caring and compassionate leader.” 

Kim Schneider Region 3 – Durham West 4-H Association 

Kim became a 4-H volunteer in 2021 and quickly took an active role in the Durham West 4-H Association both as a leader and director on the local association board. She has been instrumental in the success of the association’s sheep club; lending project animals to youth, seeking out farm tours and competitions and creating a positive space where youth can ‘Learn To Do By Doing’. One of Kim’s fellow volunteers shares, “A leader is someone who inspires passion and motivates others. A leader is someone with a vision and a path. A leader is someone who ensures that their team has the support and tools they need to achieve their goals. This leader is Kim!” Kim understands that each youth is unique and as such learn and excel differently; she always takes the time to ensure each youth feels supported. “Kim has been an inspiration to me as a senior member and I hope that I can live up to the example she has set for me and every other youth.” 

Lisa Craig Region 4 – South Simcoe 4-H Association 

Lisa began her 4-H journey 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. Lisa’s co-leader shares, “I am consistently amazed and inspired by her contributions to the South Simcoe 4-H Association.” Many note her positive “can-do” yet calm attitude as one of the reasons she makes a great 4-H leader. In addition, Lisa continuously goes above and beyond for the youth in her clubs, whether it be connecting with a guest speaker, teaching new recipes or finding improvements to house potted plants: “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!” 

Jennifer Magwood Region 5 – Grey 4-H Association 

Jennifer’s 4-H journey began as a 4-H participant where over the course of 11 years she completed several projects from dairy, to fitting and showing, walk on the wildside, our heritage and more. Returning to 4-H as a volunteer in 2023, Jennifer has dedicated her time to being a chaperone for the 2023 and 2024 EastGen challenge teams. “Jennifer leapt at the chance to give back to the program that has meant so much to her and her family,” shared a fellow 4-H volunteer. Following the first day Jennifer’s co-volunteers said, “We knew right there that Jennifer had made a huge impact on these senior members, they looked up to her a mentor and someone they could count on.” Her positive attitude, patience and extensive experience as a show person is immensely valued by all youth and volunteers she connects with. One of the senior 4-H youth shared, “She helped us believe that we could do it while lending us a hand whenever we needed support. [She was there] to bounce our ideas off of someone [and] her kindness truly went a long way and was recognized and appreciated by each of us. I know that it will continue to make an impact on every member she encounters.” 

Jane Danen Region 6 – Oxford 4-H Association 

Jane’s 4-H experience began as a youth when she completed over 24 projects and participated in provincial and national opportunities such as Provincial 4-H Leadership Camp and an exchange. Over her tenure as a volunteer, Jane has lead numerous clubs such as square dancing, community, canine, pumpkin, Ontario’s tasty fruits and vegetables and more, in addition to supporting other 4-H opportunities from chaperoning a 4-H exchange to helping with the association’s annual pancake fundraiser. Fellow volunteers speak fondly of Jane’s willingness to lend a helping hand and try new things. “With Jane’s helpful manner at meetings, engaging youth during the activities, providing input into organizing projects and activities and asking questions, she’s a great asset to the 4-H program,” shares a fellow 4-H volunteer. Part of leading the “Learn To Do By Doing” motto is the ability to try something new and Jane always creates a space where youth can feel comfortable and supported to step out of their comfort zone and learn a new skill. A senior 4-H youth says, “Jane goes over and beyond following the 4-H pledge and truly deserves this award.” 

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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 

About Gay Lea Foods 

Gay Lea Foods is a Canadian dairy farmer-owned co-operative known for its co-operative-inspired value and high quality, innovative and award-winning dairy and food products. 

Leading with principles that empower Canadian farmers, prioritize partnerships and support rural businesses and communities, they operate facilities in urban areas of Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, as well as in smaller, rural communities across Ontario. 

For more information, please contact: 
Ove Hansen, Corporate Secretary / Executive Director, Member Relations, Gay Lea Foods 
ohansen@gayleafoods.com