RODENTS? THIS IS THE WRONG MESSAGE

As a former business owner and long-time supporter of 4-H and 4-H Trust, I feel I have to speak out in defense of corporations being depicted as rodents in the editorial cartoon in the Nov. 30 Guardian publication. In 2018, the 100th anniversary of 4-H on P.E.I., 4-H Trust started an ongoing campaign to raise awareness and fundraise for P.E.I. 4-H Trust.

Money earned from the Trust provides funding for new and special programming and scholarships that enhance the 4-H experience. Membership is open to all aged nine to 21 to “learn to do by doing,” providing valuable life skills to help our youth become productive and participate in our communities with a focus on communication and presentation. Corporations and individuals from every sector of our economy were quick to embrace the challenge and supported 4-H Trust whenever asked. Even those experiencing extreme hurdles with weather and marketing issues stepped up to offer their financial support.

Corporations from East Point to Tignish praised, encouraged and provided capital to the volunteer 4-H Trust board members for this very worthwhile cause. They saw the bigger picture and the need to make life better for the youth of our province.

To characterize corporations as anything other than caring and sharing is completely wrong. Corporations are under no obligation to provide support to any worthy causes but willingly do so because they feel it is the right thing to do.

Corporations are people who work, live in and drive our communities. We can only hope they continue to do so and provide support to causes in which they believe. Without them where would we be?

David Tingley is a P.E.I. 4-H Trust volunteer board member