Charity animal auctions support local causes

By News Release 4-H Alberta

Alberta’s 4-H members are setting an example for leadership and adaptability in Alberta. COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings mean they’re doing annual project Achievement events differently. By moving sales online, they’re opening the doors to even more Albertans supporting the Charity Auctions.

There are 22 steers and two lambs, plus several other items, being offered for sale by 4-H members this year, as part of their regular commitment to community service. Proceeds will be given to a designated local charity the youth have chosen to support.

Now people everywhere can participate in the charity auctions and support local communities. Successful buyers of 4-H animals can either keep the meat from themselves or donate a portion to local food banks.

Inspiration abounds when it comes to these 4-H members. For instance, the Longview 4-H Beef Club has raised a steer named River, with donation proceeds being directed to the High River District Health Care Foundation’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund. The Delburne 4-H Club’s charity steer this year is Sparky, being raised by the Pivert family, with donations going to the Ronald McDonald House in Red Deer. 

A GoFundMe page was started to collect funds to purchase steers and lambs from Mountainview District 4-H Clubs for the Mountainview Food Bank. 

Even individual members have done their part, like 12-year-old Eva Ketchmark from Lomond. The Lethbridge Soup Kitchen says Ketchmark was so moved when she and some of her classmates volunteered at the 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, as a gift to that community.  

“In spite of the barriers created by COVID-19, 4-H clubs continue to innovate so that their charity auctions can continue,” says Agriculture and Forestry Minister Devin Dreeshen. “The great generosity we are seeing from the youth involved in 4-H this year is inspiring. These community leaders are setting an example for us all, and I look forward to participating in a charity auction this year.”

Not all 4-H sales have charity animals for auction, but some clubs are also providing a portion of the total sales from the club to a local charity. So, by bidding and buying, Albertans are not only helping 4-H members who have raised these 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. 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 are running through June, but many are being done by private treaty. With current high demand for market animals, they’re disappearing quickly, so any interested buyers should act promptly.

Visit www.4h.ab.ca for dates and details of the online sales or 4-H Alberta Facebook for more information.