Giving Back is Second Nature for Gord Bamford

Alumni Spotlight

Giving Back is Second Nature for Gord Bamford Photo Credit: Phil Crozier

Gord Bamford’s personal philosophy is obvious: always do your best and do what you can for others. It shows in his actions. Since his time as a 4-H youth, Gord has blazed a trail through country music and made a name for himself in the industry while attracting a large and loyal fanbase. He’s earned 26 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) awards, multiple JUNO Award nominations and is the only two-time winner of Nashville's Country Music Association (CMA) Global Country Artist (2013 & 2015). Gord continues to be active in the country music scene, having released his 10th studio album, titled Diamonds in a Whiskey Glass, in June of 2021 – a testament to his talent and lasting passion for music. “Music is a wonderful thing,” said Gord. “It’s something you can do to make people feel better – at the end of the day, that’s pretty awesome.” In addition to setting records as one of the most decorated artists in Canadian country music history, Gord is committed to supporting Canadian youth through The Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation, which has generated more than $4.5 million to date. In 15 years of operation, the foundation has supported over 63 children's charities across Canada – 4-H among them. The foundation’s annual golf tournament, their biggest fundraiser, was held in June this year. "One of the greatest things I get to do is interact with the kids and try to make a difference in their lives. This puts it all into perspective as to why I think God put me on this earth,” added Gord. “We’re still involved with 4-H and we still buy 4-H beef to this day.” All of Gord’s success didn’t come overnight. It took hard work and years of dedication for Gord and his team to get to where they are today. Being part of the solution is something Gord learned well during his time in 4-H. “When I was young my mom put me in 4-H, so I was involved in something that wasn’t a sport. My family were all farmers,” reflected Gord, who was named the 4-H Canada Distinguished Alumni Award recipient in 2019.

He added, “4-H has really given me a lot of life skills – from public speaking to learning to be accountable, while digging in and working hard – it’s played a big role. There’s so much that I learned that I can use in my life now.” Gord believes strongly that the skills he learned in 4-H helped him in his career, and thinks 4-H opens doors for youth both inside and outside of the agricultural sector job market. “I think having 4-H on your resume means a lot,” reflected Gord. “It opens doors to do more activities and to meet more people. That part has been huge. The connections I’ve made throughout the years – being a 4-H member has been great for me and [my music career].” You can keep up to date with Gord’s album and single release dates over at gordbamford.com and for more info on his foundation please visit gordbamfordfoundation.com.

“One of the greatest things I get to do is interact with the kids and try to make a difference in their lives.”

- Gord Bamford

Photo Credit: Phil Crozier