Innovative volunteer fundraising efforts are helping to support B.C. project rebuilds at sites like privately-owned Echo Valley Farm, near Nanaimo, one of the largest potato farms on Vancouver Island that provides critical wintering habitat to trumpeter swans and other bird species.

Innovative volunteer fundraising efforts are helping to support B.C. project rebuilds at sites like privately-owned Echo Valley Farm, near Nanaimo, one of the largest potato farms on Vancouver Island that provides critical wintering habitat to trumpeter swans and other bird species.

 

Grassroots efforts lead the way for local conservation

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Surrey, B.C., January 29, 2010—Many Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) infrastructure projects in British Columbia were constructed in the early 1980s. Today, these water controls and dikes are showing signs of deterioration that increases the risk of failure and an inability to sustain wetland health. Rebuilding these conservation projects is expected to cost millions of dollars. While money raised through traditional DUC fundraising channels continues to support these programs, more funding is needed.

Ducks Unlimited Canada has built a strong community-based fundraising program through the commitment and dedication of volunteers across the country. Building on that legacy, volunteer-led fundraising avenues are gaining momentum as a way to increase public support and raise funding for infrastructure rebuilds and habitat management operations in communities across B.C.

One such example was an event held in Parksville-Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. Local volunteers identified neighbours and conservation-minded supporters to gain their support for an upcoming rebuild at Echo Valley farm – one of the largest potato farms on the island and home to hundreds of trumpeter swans and other bird species during the winter months. Modelled after similar events held in Abbotsford and Courtenay, this event brought together a small select group to learn more about DUC and future plans for projects in their local community. Proceeds from these events will directly support on-the-ground conservation in the local community.

To find out more or to organize a similar event in your community, contact Les Bogdan (l_bogdan@ducks.ca), senior development manager for B.C.

For more information, contact:

Wendy Thatcher, w_thatcher@ducks.ca
Marketing and Communications
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone:  604-312-4632

 
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