Volunteers are Ducks Unlimited Canada’s leaders in New Brunswick

Fundraising events are cornerstone of DUC’s efforts to conserve vanishing wetlands

Fredericton, N.B., April 24, 2006—When it comes to dedication, enthusiasm and hard work, the volunteers of Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) take the cake. Their efforts to raise much-needed dollars for the conservation of Canada’s vanishing wetlands are the cornerstone of DUC’s work. That’s why during 2006 National Volunteer Week (April 23-29), DUC is proud to recognize the exemplary work of all our volunteers, including New Brunswick’s Kevin Harris.

Harris, of Rothesay, N.B., has been a DUC volunteer for over 16 years, and currently serves as both provincial volunteer chairperson and a member of DUC’s board of directors. When he first joined a DUC volunteer chapter in the Miramichi area of the province, he felt it was his way of giving back to nature. “I grew up along the Miramichi River, under a tradition of hunting and fishing,” he says. “I thought that volunteering with Ducks Unlimited was a great way to give something back.”

The DUC volunteer experience is a complete one for Harris, who enjoys many aspects of it – from interacting with people to explaining the values of wetlands to pointing out different types of waterfowl. Although he initially only planned to spend about two years volunteering with DUC, the people he worked with inspired him to stay. “I’m a people person, and have made many friendships during my time with DU,” he says. “We’ve also achieved a lot for conservation in New Brunswick, and that’s a big part of it.”

Stories like Harris’s can be found in every province, and are part of the very fabric of DUC, says Perry McCormick, DUC’s national manager of events. “Without the support of volunteers, we simply wouldn’t be able to pursue our wetland conservation mission,” McCormick says. “These community leaders give a lot of their free time to organize DUC fundraising events. They truly represent the DUC spirit in communities across the country.”

Across Canada, DUC enjoys the support of over 8,000 volunteers who undertake the organization of more than 650 annual fundraising events ranging from traditional “DU dinners” and auctions to golf tournaments and curling bonspiels. Volunteers operate many of DUC’s Sealed Bid Auction sites, which put art prints up for auction in more than 2,200 businesses and locations in Canada. In addition, volunteers also work within DUC’s youth education and membership programs.

During National Volunteer Week, DUC would like to extend a big “thank you” to all our volunteers, in appreciation for everything they do for wetland conservation. Their efforts have never been more important, as up to 70 per cent of wetlands have already been lost in settled areas of Canada, and more are lost every day. DUC is always in need of more volunteers. To volunteer in your area, call 1-866-384-DUCK (3825) or e-mail volunteer@ducks.ca.

Since 1938, DUC has conserved, restored and managed wetlands and their associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.

High resolution photos are available. For more information, please contact:

Leigh Patterson, l_patterson@ducks.ca
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
(204) 467-3306