The Longview 4-H Beef Club is up for a Calgary Stampede Western Legacy Award.

They've been nominated in the sustained contribution by a group category for raising more than $232,000 for the High River District Health Care Foundation over the years.

Club Leader, Stephen Hughes, says they were nominated by the Health Care Foundation, but it was kept a surprise until they were finalists.

"It's nice to be recognized, but it's just us doing what we should be doing. To win, we'd certainly be proud, but then we just keep going and look forward to how much money we can raise next May at our show and sale."

Each year, the club raises a steer to auction for charity, and for nine years of the fundraiser, the club has donated the money to the High River District Health Care Foundation.

"It's actually the generosity of the greater community around the High River Hospital that really makes this work," Hughes says. "We're just happy to be the conduit for it all. It's just us being active and giving people a reason to give."

Hughes adds having the Foundation as a recipient of the funds is a great match for the 4-H club based in a rural community.

"In a rural setting, it's so important that our hospital is vibrant, strong and competitive out there in the world, and able to provide the best services possible."

The money raised has contributed to multiple departments at the High River Hospital such as the maternity and emergency wards, the teen health clinic, and the community cancer centre.

High River's Tate Barton is also nominated for a Western Legacy Award in the youth category for his fundraising efforts for the High River Cancer Clinic in memory of his late mother.

The awards will be presented at a reception at the Calgary Stampede Grounds Tuesday, November 20 starting at 5:00 pm.

 

Send your news tips, story ideas and comments to jgiles@goldenwestradio.com