Delburne 4-H Beef Club steer -- photo credit to 4-H Alberta

By Dori Modney

Reminder from 4-H Alberta – animal Auctions to support local causes underway

May 15, 2020 | 4:06 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — When it comes to leadership and adaptability, 4-H has it in spades.

However, COVID-19 restrictions regarding public gatherings, has meant the various 4-H groups across the province are utilizing different methods to hold their annual Achievement events.

For that reason, the groups’ annual auction sales have been moved online, which will allow them to gain wider than normal support across the province. Now, people everywhere can take part in the charity auctions and also support local communities.

The items up for auction include 22-steers and two lambs, as well as a number of other items. Proceeds from each sale will go to a designated local charity, chosen by the young person who has raised the animal or chosen the auction item. Successful bidders for the of 4-H animals can either keep the meat for themselves OR donate a portion to local food banks.

Several of the auctions are supporting Southern Alberta charities.

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As an example, the Longview 4-H Beef Club raised a steer named River, with donation proceeds to be directed to the High River District Health Care Foundation’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund.

Also, Individual member, 12-year-old Eva Ketchmark from Lomond, was so moved when she and some of her classmates volunteered at the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, she decided to donate her steer project to the cause, knowing many homeless people would be deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and would need food. The family is donating the meat processing costs as well as the meat.

By bidding and buying, Albertans are not only helping 4-H members who raised market animals, they can also benefit local charities with additional funds.

There are two ways to participate and support 4-H and their local charity activities:

1. View a complete listing of upcoming beef auctions hosted by 4-H clubs throughout the province by going to the 4-H Alberta website (www.4h.ab.ca). Find a club in your local area, view the local charity they are supporting, and contact the club for assistance with the online auction. Then start bidding.

2. Contact the 4-H Foundation of Alberta and make a financial donation. 4-H Alberta will link you to the local 4-H club and the charity it is supporting. Through this method you support the charity and receive a charitable tax receipt.

Sales continue through June, but high demand for market animals, means they’re disappearing quickly, so any interested buyers should act promptly!

Check out www.4h.ab.ca for dates and details of the online sales, and the 4-H Alberta Facebook page for video clips and photos of 4-H members and their projects supporting local communities.

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