The Longview 4-H Beef Club received the High River District Health Care Foundation's Clifford and Louise Lougheed Award for Outstanding Philanthropy.

The award was present to the club last Friday at a 4-H Family Fun Night, which was hosted by the Foundation at the Crescent Point Field House.

The Longview 4-H Beef Club has raised over $190,000 for the Foundation through their donation steers. Every year, the MacLeod Families of Durness Angus donates a steer to the club to be raised and fattened by one of the 4-H members.

4-H families then work hard to gather donations from the community. The businesses and community members who donate, collectively form the Eastern Slopes Philanthropists, who buy the steer at the Club's Annual Show and Sale in May. The group then donates the steer back to be sold again, where John and May Lockhart have been the final buyers, and that money is also donated to the Foundation.

The Lockhart's very generously donate the meat from the steer to two local senior's facilities for residents to enjoy.

The Longview 4-H Beef Club's Leader, Stephen Hughes, says the money has gone towards a number of different projects.

"This is the third year straight our money is going into the High River Hospital's maternity ward. The previous two years, we were buying infant resuscitation units called Panda Warmers. We've bought equipment that they've been waiting on for more than five years, and bought it straight up. This year, the money is going into maternity ward renovations."

Last years the donation steer raised $51,454 for the Foundation.

Hal Knox, Chair of the High River District Health Care Foundation unveiling the award with Alumni 4-H member, Jodi Giles.

Hal Knox, Chair of the High River District Health Care Foundation says, they are so proud of the 4-H Club.

"It really is an award that recognizes outstanding philanthropy in our district. The club has been outstanding contributors to our foundation. I think everyone agrees, if you have a strong hospital in your community and beyond, it serves everyone."

After having some fun at the Field House, the Foundation also served the members and their families a delicious beef on a bun supper.

Longview 4-H Beef Club members and their families at the presentation.

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