by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
COBDEN — Ten local 4H participants are in a fast-track mode to raise funds for an exchange program with St. Paul’s Multi-Club in Alberta, which is just north-east of Edmonton.
Anna McIntyre, one of the chaperones and a 4H leader, said the local 4Hers formed the Exchange Club and will host the Alberta club from July 24 to August 2, while the locals will travel to Alberta from August 10 to 19.
While Canadian Heritage will pay for the flights of the 10 participants and two chaperones, all other expenses must be paid for by the participants. However, the participants must give back to the community.
Ms. McIntyre said the Exchange Club members have agreed to help out for a full day at the Beachburg Fair on Friday, July 28.
While the 4Hers from Alberta are in this area, all expenses for them must be paid, she said. And it will be vice-versa when the local 4Hers travel to Alberta, she added. She noted there is a budget of about $10,000.
She said the members have only four months to raise the funds, as the deadline for applying was extended so more clubs could possibly apply. The local 4H members decided they would apply and they were accepted, along with 17 other clubs across the country.
The Exchange Club had to decide the weeks they would like to travel and decide on three clubs they would like to exchange with. They decided on a club in British Columbia, Alberta or any other province. She noted each of the participants will be twinned with a participant from the other cub, and they will live with them.
To ensure the Alberta 4Hers have fun and learn while here, the local 4Hers are raising money to provide them with a wide variety of activities to enjoy while here, Ms. McIntyre said. Activities they would like to participate in include whitewater rafting at Wilderness Tours; zip lining at Fort Coulonge; visiting Bonnechere Caves in Eganville; possibly an overnight camping trip in Algonquin Park; trying Beavertails in Killaloe and participating in an Amazing Race activity at the Parliament Buildings.
The young people, who must be between the ages of 12 to 17 when they travel, are hosting a variety of fundraisers, with help from family and friends, Ms. McIntyre said.
A bake sale was already held, with more to be scheduled, she said.
There will be a bake sale on Saturday, March 11 during the breakfast at Mount Zion United Church breakfast in Douglas; breakfast at the DACA Centre on Sunday, March 26; Trivia Night on Saturday, April 1 at the Douglas Tavern; a euchre party is being planned for Cobden; hosting a fundraising dinner on Saturday, May 13 at the Westmeath Hall and providing the lunch at an auction sale on May 27. They will also be providing a dinner for a private function in La Passe in July.
Ms. McIntyre is hopeful the area communities will support the fundraisers and help these young people host the club from Alberta.
The local 4Hers are also having t-shirts made up with the 4H logo and the words Alberta Bound.
She noted this is the second time Renfrew County 4H has participated in the 4H exchange, but the first time was many years ago. As a matter of fact, she believes a current 4H leader was a 4H member at the time who participated.
This is a great opportunity to teenagers from two different parts of the country to get together in each other’s areas and learn about the area, as well as have fun, Ms. McIntyre said. There are 10 teenagers in the 4H Exchange Club – Autumn McIntyre, Erica McFarlane, Cindy Ferguson, Jenna White, Meeka Bromley, Quade Nicholson, Masen Rice, Kinley Rice, April White, Wesley White (alternate is Wyatt White) … along with chaperones Ms. McIntyre and 4H leader Erica Rice.
There was a limit of 10 members and it was first come first chosen to participate, she said.
Ms. McIntyre said this a great opportunity for the teenagers to experience a different heritage and for many, it may be a chance of a lifetime.
“It’s good for our young people to see Canada,” she said.
Ms. McIntyre said all support will be greatly appreciated.
