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4-H Canada launches first national fundraising campaign selling seeds

4-H Canada, the well-known agriculture youth development organization, launched its first national fundraising campaign selling seeds in partnership with Veseys Seeds Ltd.

Developed in consultation with 4-H youth members and volunteer leaders across Canada, 4-H Canada says the initiative will give 4-H’ers the opportunity to explore the joys of gardening, and develop hands-on leadership and fundraising skills through the sale of seeds, bulbs, and roots.

Vesey Seeds is a mail-order gardening business based out of York, P.E.I., that sells flower, vegetable and herb seeds, spring and fall planting bulbs, perennials, starter plants, and gardening tools and accessories.

4-H Canada says the product is a good fit, reflecting the interests and passions of 4-H members and tying back to the organization’s roots in agriculture.

Interested 4-H regions, counties and clubs can sign up online until the fall. Sixty per cent of the retail sales will go back into supporting 4-H in Canada, with over half of the profit staying local.

It is the first time 4-H Canada is running a national fundraiser “benefiting all levels of the 4-H movement – from grassroots to provincial and national organizations,” and investing in the organization’s future.

“Our youth members told us they wanted to be part of a collective fundraising effort that embodied the 4-H values, was Canadian and had a positive impact on the environment,” said Shannon Benner, 4-H Canada CEO. ‘‘Thanks to Veseys, our fundraising campaign fits all these criteria, and supports our mission of empowering youth to be responsible, caring and contributing leaders that affect positive change in the world around them.”

This isn’t the first time 4-H clubs have partnered with Veseys Seeds. For decades, 4-H clubs on Prince Edward Island have partnered with the company, who donates vegetable and flower seeds for their annual competitions. The announced fundraising initiative expands the partnership onto a national level.

The 4-H Canada-Veseys fundraiser is available across Canada but participation in the fall pilot is limited. 4-H regions, counties and clubs can find out more and sign up by September 30 through the 4-H Canada website.