In October, Eagle Hills 4-H Club members decided it was time to put the 4-H pledge into action.
The members, parents and leaders recite the pledge at every activity. The pledge is, 鈥淚 pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, my health to better living for my club, my community and my country.鈥� The members wanted to serve the community as the community has supported and embraced 4-H and the youth in the Battlefords for decades.
We started planning what and when our week of caring would be. This involved setting dates, discussing the various volunteer opportunities, as well as contacting each of the organizations. In the end, it was decided the Week of Caring would be from Dec. 12-19. We also decided to volunteer at an earlier date as we felt it was something that was extremely important.
The 4-H club supported the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation, so they decorated one of the trees for the Festival of Trees. They agreed on the theme of 鈥�100 years of 4-H pride鈥� as Saskatchewan 4-H is celebrating 100 years. The decorations were all green and white with the 4-H logo and Harold the Hare was the 鈥渟tar鈥� of the tree.
The kick off to the Week of Caring was Monday, Dec. 12. The members delivered goodie trays to WPD Ambulance, North Battleford Fire Department and Battlefords RCMP. It was the members鈥� wish to thank them for all their service and dedication to the community while spreading some holiday spirit. Each of the departments were surprised and welcomed the members.
Day two was spent at Battlefords District Care Centre in Battleford. The members had made a number of Christmas cards that were distributed to the residents. That night, the members met with the residents and spent some time with them while handing out the cards. There was stories, hugs and tears shared, but mainly a lot of Christmas cheer.
Dec. 13, the club spent the evening with the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club. This was a great way for the members to spend some time with a fellow youth organization while spreading some holiday magic. We started by singing favourite Christmas carols followed by games. One of the games included drawing a Christmas scene on a plate that was on a kid鈥檚 head. It was fun to see their creations after the game. We ended the evening with oranges and candy canes. It was lots of fun and everyone really enjoyed the activity.
Dec. 14 was a great evening to showcase the talents of the members. They decided that a great way to spread some Christmas cheer would be to carol. The residents of Valleyview I of the North Battleford Housing Authority opened up their doors and let us in for the night. We even brought Harold the Hare to help.
On day five, we spent a busy afternoon helping the Empty Stocking Fund. Our mission was to pack up the toys that have been generously donated by both the citizens and businesses of the Battlefords. We were tasked with finding toys, games, books and warms clothes for each of the families that were assigned to us. It was a great way to spend the afternoon and the Christmas music really helped keep everyone鈥檚 spirits high.
Our last day of the Week of Caring, spent helping with McKitrick Community School鈥檚 gift wrapping. The goal was to wrap the gifts the students had bought for their families and friends. Our 4-H elves did a wonderful job of wrapping the precious items.
聽The members of Eagle Hills Multiple 4-H Club wish to thank everyone of the Battlefords for their continuing support of a great program. The members look forward to being able to give back to the communities and the people whenever possible.
We wish everyone a happy new year.
