4-H Canada and Food Banks Canada Partner for 4-H Centennial

WINNIPEG, May 28, 2012 /CNW/ - 4-H Canada will be celebrating a century of youth leadership programming next year, and also giving food banks across Canada reason to celebrate with a commitment of support.

4-H Canada and Food Banks Canada are partnering in a national food drive that will see 4-H clubs across Canada collect food and items for local food banks, throughout 2013. The partnership is just one initiative of many planned for the year, made possible in part by Enbridge Pipelines Inc., National Sponsor of 4-H Canada's 100th anniversary celebrations.

"This exciting initiative embraces two of 4-H's greatest themes; food and community involvement," says Rob Black, President, Canadian 4-H Council. "Food themed programming has been at our core for nearly a century, and 4-H clubs have a longstanding reputation of giving back to their local communities. We think our members and alumni will be proud to celebrate the 4-H centennial in this manner."

Katharine Schmidt, Executive Director of Food Banks Canada, is also enthusiastic about the partnership; "We are honoured that 4-H Canada has chosen the issue of hunger as one of their philanthropic projects to commemorate their 100th anniversary. Schmidt adds, "Food Banks Canada is looking forward to working with 4-H to bring to light the solvable problem of hunger in Canada and support food banks across the country".

Locally, 4-H clubs interested in participating will be connected to their local food bank. There will be resources from 4-H Canada and Food Banks Canada to promote the initiative, and a running tally of donations will be tracked on 4-H Canada's website.

In addition, Manitoba 4-H has initiatives planned to celebrate the centennial provincially. A Special Edition "100 Years of 4-H in Canada" Self-Propelled windrower was revealed as part of Monday's announcement. Built in Winnipeg by 4-H Manitoba 100^th anniversary sponsor MacDon Industries Limited, the windrower will be seen at events throughout Western Canada this fall and into next year.

About 4-H in Canada

Beginning in Roland, MB in 1913, 4-H is one of the country's longest-running and most respected youth organizations. 4-H allows Canadian youth to explore, learn and discover, while expanding their horizons. In 2013, 4-H will celebrate its 100th Anniversary, and 100 years of creating leaders across Canada. More than 8,000 trained volunteer leaders help more than 26,000 4-H members develop self-confidence and learn a wide variety of skills through hands-on project work. For more information about 4-H in Canada and the 100th anniversary, please visit www.4-h-canada.ca.

About Food Banks Canada

Food Banks Canada is the national charitable organization representing the food bank community across Canada. Our Members, Affiliate Member food banks, and their respective agencies serve approximately 85 per cent of people accessing emergency food programs nationwide. Our mission is to meet the short-term need for food and find long-term solutions to reduce hunger. Please visit www.foodbankscanada.ca for more information.

About Enbridge Inc.

Enbridge Inc. is a North American leader in delivering energy and one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations. As a transporter of energy, Enbridge operates, in Canada and the U.S., the world's longest crude oil and liquids transportation system. The Company also has a significant and growing involvement in natural gas gathering, transmission and midstream businesses, and an increasing involvement in power transmission.  As a distributor of energy, Enbridge owns and operates Canada's largest natural gas distribution company, and provides distribution services in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and New York State. As a generator of energy, Enbridge has interests in close to 1,000 megawatts of renewable and alternative energy generating capacity and is expanding its interests in wind and solar energy, geothermal and hybrid fuel cells. Enbridge employs more than 7,000 people, primarily in Canada and the U.S. and is ranked as one of Canada's Greenest Employers, and one of the Top 100 Companies to Work for in Canada. Enbridge's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol ENB. For more information, visit www.enbridge.com.

4-H Canada
Erin Brophy
Communications and Marketing Manager
[email protected]
613-234-4448 ext.27

Food Banks Canada
Marzena Gersho
Director, Communications and National Programs
[email protected]
647-242-5919

4-H Manitoba
Clayton Robins
Executive Director, 4-H Manitoba Council
[email protected]
204-726-6136

Enbridge Inc. 
Graham White
Manager, Business Communications
[email protected]
Toll Free: [phone]