Matthew Hamilton – Volunteering with DUC – It's all about Community

Growing up in the rural community of Minden, Ont., fishing and hunting were among Matthew Hamilton’s favourite pastimes. He has a first-hand understanding of why Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is so important to our future. At 32, Hamilton’s respect for the environment and his commitment to DUC are already a life-long commitment.

Hamilton is treasurer for the DUC Minden fundraising dinner committee, working alongside his father, Brian, who chairs the committee. Hamilton approaches the event with a business-savvy angle and has helped transform it into one of the most successful DUC fundraising dinners in the province — and he aspires to keep it that way. In addition to his treasury duties, Hamilton also runs local auctions to benefit DUC. His efforts have not only made a real difference in his community, his commitment and dedication to wetland conservation have inspired others across Canada.

“The work that DUC is doing for wetlands, not just in my community, but across Canada benefits all Canadians,” says Hamilton. “These are places that are not only picturesque, they are necessary for human life and for wildlife. I think that wetlands should be accessible to everyone.”

“It is inspiring to see such vision and mature commitment in a young volunteer,” says Andy Laidley, DUC fundraising manager in central Ontario. “Matt is the driving force behind the Minden fundraising committee. His energy and business-savvy is evident in the Minden event – one of the top events in Ontario. Matt is a great ambassador for DUC in his community.”

“National Volunteer Week is our chance to honour our nearly 7,000 volunteers across Canada, and in particular, our young volunteers who are introducing a whole new generation to DUC,” says Loraine Nyokong, DUC national director of fundraising and membership. “Volunteers like them are the ‘rising stars’ of our organization. The fact that they recognize the importance of wetland conservation and are spreading the word is fantastic, not only for DUC, but for all Canadians.”

“We have great attendance at our events because our community knows the huge role that DUC plays to conserve wetlands,” says Hamilton. “Coming from a rural area I am reminded daily of the importance of wetlands for our environment and our community.”

With the support of volunteers like Hamilton, 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. Hamilton and other conservation-minded individuals like him from across Canada will continue to be the driving force behind ongoing efforts to stop wetland loss.