Robert's Farm Equipment has donated $10,000 to four local 4H clubs in the area. Each group in surrounding counties, Huron, Grey, Wellington, and Bruce, received $2,500.
The $10,000 was granted to Robert's by Kubota Canada, through its Community Hero Award for ongoing involvement in the community.
"There's lots of opportunities for agriculture in our communities for businesses like ourselves and other retail businesses," said Brian Osterndorff, president and general manager at Robert's. "Our thought is if we can support each by giving donations back to them or by helping raise funds, we can raise the knowledge of agriculture in our communities."
A meeting was held between everyone involved on December 13 to discuss where the money will be the most useful. That could include membership fees or paying for events held by 4H.
"Agriculture is one of the main industries in our four counties we do business with," he said. "Businesses that are here are always looking for new people to come into their business for career opportunities and we feel that if we can grow youth in 4H and be part of that process, they understand more what employment is offered down the road."
Osterndorff said giving back to the community means a lot to him, as that's how the business got started.
"My dad started the business in 1968," he said. "He was a guy that just wanted to help fellow neighbours and farmers by fixing things and he took great pride in helping. We, as his sons and the next owners of the business, carry on that legacy."
At the December 13 meeting, 4H spread the word that anyone interested doesn't need to have livestock or be raised on a farm to get involved. There is a variety of different programs, teaching various life lessons.
Moving forward, Robert's hopes to continue supporting 4H in our local communities and the purpose of the meeting was to better learn how to support the groups.