Letter: 4-H Club ‘Growing Forward’ with first aid and careers

The Sudbury 4-H Club of senior teens received a grant from the Growing Forward 2 program funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through 4-H Canada.

The grant provided them with a good portion of the funds to take a Canadian Red Cross program, hold a speakers’ series and purchase first aid kits for their upcoming back-country expedition and club events.

Eight club members and three club volunteers obtained their Canadian Red Cross certification in emergency first aid, AED and CPR-C (i.e. CPR for adults, children and infants).

The club also hosted a speaker series with local first aid/security attendants and paramedics.

The members had the chance to listen to the paramedics’ stories and discuss their roles and education, said Wayne Macdonald, Club Leader.

This is a project that will help them make informed decisions as they enter post-secondary education. Each club member also made a variety of first aid kits including a basic family first aid kit, individual, hiking and sports injury kits; emergency preparedness pet kits for both rabbits and dogs; as well as a vehicle and personal safety kit.

Not only did the members receive certifications that they can put on their resumes, but they also have a better understanding of the realities of medical-related careers.

The 4-H Club motto is "Learn to do by Doing" and this project offered a hands-on learning approach with great results.

Paulette Macdonald
Sudbury 4-H Club