BIBLE HILL, N.S. — TRURO NEWS STAFF
BIBLE HILL, N.S. – Although his grandparents had never been involved in 4-H, Fred Bates saw a connection between them and the young people working in the barn during the NS Provincial Exhibition. That connection led to a generous donation for three Colchester 4-H clubs.
His grandparents, Wyman and Ines Bates, owned a large parcel of land in Bible Hill and had a slaughter house near their home on Pictou Road.
“I can’t recall anyone that was connected with the 4-H at that time but there’s a farming connection,” he said.
Bates may not have been a 4-H member but he did farm work as part of the horticultural section crew at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College for three summers.
When he was 18 he headed to Calgary, and later to Vancouver Island, but he often comes back to Bible Hill at exhibition time.
He approached Lisa Patton, president of the Colchester County 4-H Council, during last summer’s exhibition.
“He explained that he wanted to give back to the community he came from, in honour of his grandparents,” said Patton. "He wanted to pick specific clubs that held meaning.
He chose Truro-North River 4-H Club, Onslow-Belmont 4-H Club and Stewiacke Valley 4-H Club. His grandparents were originally from the Stewiacke area.
Bates has pledged $50,000, over the next five years, to be used for bursaries based on need, and to help with some social activities. So far, $10,000 has already gone to the clubs.
“Everyone was thrilled with this because it saves so much time that would be spent fundraising,” said Patton.
The clubs sent Bates thank-you messages, and Onslow-Belmont included a photo with theirs.
When asked how the messages made him feel, he said, “It is my humble opinion the picture says it best – look at all those smiling faces.”
