4-H LAUNCHES NEW LOGO AND MASCOT DURING 4-H WEEK

Released on November 4, 2004

Saskatchewan 4-H will celebrate National 4-H Week, November 1st-7th, with the unveiling of a new provincial 4-H logo and mascot at the annual Leadership Conference in Saskatoon on November 5th and 6th. The mascot and logo were designed by Saskatchewan 4-H members, Megan Macomber and Mandy March.

Macomber designed the new logo to reflect both Saskatchewan and 4-H. The logo incorporates the familiar 4-H clover, symbolic of 4-H in Canada since 1952, on a gold background in the shape of the province. For the new mascot, named Harold, March chose a hare to represent the "hop to it" attitude of 4-H members. Harold the Hare's t-shirt displays the 4-H motto, "Learn to do by doing."

Also in honour of National 4-H Week, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman paid tribute to the Saskatchewan 4-H program. "4-H is an extraordinary organization for youth, providing them with a multitude of opportunities to learn by doing, and to learn to work together co-operatively for the good of the community," Wartman said.

Wartman praised the dedication of 4-H leaders across the province, whose enthusiasm has ensured that 4-H programs have continued successfully in Saskatchewan since 1917. The first clubs were at Colgate, Dubuc, and Tantallon.

"Saskatchewan's 4-H leaders volunteer their time to lead and to teach," Wartman said. "They encourage youth to attempt new challenges by participating in 4-H programs such as public speaking competitions, provincial curling and international travel. 4-H also provides a number of fine scholarships for post-secondary education."

Across Canada, 4-H has more than 32,000 members and 9,500 volunteer leaders, which makes 4-H the largest rural-based youth organization in the country. In Saskatchewan, there are 4,100 members and 1,170 leaders in 231 rural and urban clubs.

For more information about the 4-H program in Saskatchewan, contact the Saskatchewan 4-H Council in Saskatoon at 933-7727 or visit the website at www.4-h.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

AnnMarie Nielsen Griffin Saskatchewan 4-H Council Saskatoon Phone: (306)933-5102

Scott Brown Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306)787-4031