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Ducks Unlimited Canada salutes Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer during National Volunteer Week
Oak Hammock Marsh, Man., April 5, 2011 – Justin Whiteway of Lewisporte, Newfoundland and Labrador is an avid waterfowler, an ardent outdoorsman and a committed Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) volunteer. At 22-years-old, Whiteway’s dedication to DUC is not only benefitting wetlands and wildlife, it is inspiring other young men and women to do the same. During National Volunteer Week, April 10 to 16, DUC salutes ‘the next generation’ of volunteers like Whiteway for their dedication to wetland conservation and for inspiring other young Canadians to help conserve wetland habitat across this great country.
“I am fortunate because my parents encouraged me to spend as much time outdoors as possible – hiking, fishing and hunting,” says Whiteway. “Being part of an organization like DUC is perfect because I get to do what I love and at the same time I know that I am helping to conserve habitat for wildlife and that’s a fantastic feeling.”
Whiteway, along with nearly 7,000 volunteers across Canada, donates his time and talent to help raise money and awareness for wetland conservation. His efforts contribute to the development of on-the-ground habitat conservation projects and support world-class research and education programs. Not only is this next generation of DUC volunteers inspiring other volunteers of all ages, they play a lead role in the conservation of Canada’s wetlands for future generations; they are making a real difference in their communities.
“Justin is one of our most enthusiastic and helpful volunteers,” says Paul Wood, DUC fundraising manager in Newfoundland and Labrador. “Not only does he sell a lot of tickets for our dinner events, he is also introducing DUC to a whole new volunteer demographic.”
Whiteway began volunteering with DUC in 2009 when he helped out with the Waterfowl Heritage Day Program – an outdoor program for youth aged 12 to 17. He found the experience so rewarding that he has been active on the program committee ever since. It inspired him to learn more about DUC work; Whiteway now sits on the committee for the annual DUC fundraising dinner in Lewisporte, assisting in ticket sales and helping to run the event. Whiteway has also extended his efforts by managing a DUC auction through his family’s local outdoor supply store.
With the support of volunteers like Justin Whiteway, DUC recently completed its Wetlands for Tomorrow campaign – the largest conservation fundraising campaign ever undertaken in North America. Working alongside Ducks Unlimited, Inc. in the United States and Ducks Unlimited Mexico, DUC contributed to waterfowl and wetland habitat conservation, water quality as well as recreational and learning opportunities for people of all ages.
DUC could have not achieved these conservation goals without the generous support of its volunteers and supporters. Whiteway and other conservation-minded individuals like him from across Canada will continue to be the driving force behind ongoing efforts to stop wetland loss.
For more information, contact:
Ashley Lewis,
a_lewis@ducks.ca
Communications Coordinator, Fundraising
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: 204-467-3252
