How You Can Help

In 1986, Jim Spinks was persuaded to buy a ticket to the Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) fundraising banquet in Quesnel, B.C. The rest, as they say, is history. Jim left the event that night as the lucky winner of a coveted Robert Bateman art print – and DUC’s newest star volunteer in the making.

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Jim Spinks – Fraser Lake, B.C.

Jim Spinks and DUC – A winning combination for over 20 years

“At the time I didn’t know what a DUC event was all about, other than there was going to be an auction, good food and lots to drink,” he says with a laugh. “I had a great time, learned what DUC was all about and volunteered to be on the committee for the next year’s event.”

That banquet would become the first of many DUC events for Jim. For 22 years, he has been sharing his energy and enthusiasm to help support DUC and its mission of wetland conservation. His efforts have helped establish two volunteer chapters in Chetwynd and Fraser Lake, B.C. that continue to raise much-needed funds to conserve Canada’s natural wetland habitat.

“I became involved because the outdoors has always been a large part of my life. I liked the idea that DUC works in a way that benefits everyone – the waterfowlers, the ranchers, the farmers and especially the wildlife. Everyone who enjoys experiencing nature benefits from the work of DUC.”

Jim’s work in the forest industry allowed him and his family to live and become involved in several communities within the province of B.C. And, with each move, he took his passion for wetlands and the spirit of volunteerism with him. He fondly remembers the first banquet in Chetwynd where he hurried to photocopy more tickets to keep up with the demand and the surprise and satisfaction that came when he realized they’d raised $33,000 at the end of that inaugural event. In Jim’s current home in Fraser Lake, he acts as the chapter chair and continues to play an important role organizing the annual fundraiser, now in its 13th year.

“Jim is an instrumental part of our volunteer network in B.C.,” says Rory Brown, a DUC fundraising manager in the province. “He is extremely dedicated and always willing to help. As someone who is genuinely concerned about the health of the environment and motivated to make a difference, Jim is a great example of a DUC star volunteer.”

National volunteer week, April 19-25, is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the work of volunteers like Jim. Perry McCormick, DUC’s national manager of events, says evidence of the outstanding work of volunteers can be seen across the country.

“We have volunteers to thank for the waterfowl flying overhead and the healthy wetland areas below our feet,” McCormick says. “I’d like to personally thank every one of our 7,400 volunteers. It’s your efforts that make DUC’s wetland conservation work possible.”

Jim Spinks encourages people of all ages and stages of life to get involved and volunteer with DUC.

“It is always gratifying to see the results and to know that you were part of the team that accomplished them.”