Adrian Van de Sande
Many Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) supporters say they caught the spirit of wetland conservation during a live auction at a local event. This was the case for seven-year DUC volunteer Adrian Van de Sande – only he wasn’t doing any bidding. Adrian got sold on saving wetlands while holding the microphone as an auctioneer.
 

Adrian Van de Sande – Antigonish, N.S.

Going once, going twice...this star volunteer is sold on saving wetlands

A live auction is a thrill like no other. The call of the auctioneer, the flashing of bids in the crowd, the wham of the hammer and the exuberant cry “Sold!” gets in your blood and beckons you to join in on the excitement. Many Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) supporters say they caught the spirit of wetland conservation during a live auction at a local event.  This was the case for seven-year DUC volunteer Adrian Van de Sande – only he wasn’t doing any bidding. Adrian got sold on saving wetlands while holding the microphone as an auctioneer.

“I was first introduced to DUC when I was asked to act as the auctioneer at an event in Antigonish,” he says. “When the auction got underway, I couldn’t believe how strong the support was. I’ve been involved in a lot of auctions before, but nothing quite like this. People were bidding and bidding on the items and having so much fun!”

That night, Adrian learned more about DUC and its wetland conservation mission. He realized that DUC shared many of his values about conserving natural areas for future generations. Being raised on a farm and an avid outdoorsman, he was eager to join the enthusiastic team and help DUC in its efforts to save wetland habitat.

“Seeing wetlands dry up and wooded areas being cut down, that kind of thing bothers me,” he explains. “If there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll do it.”

Adrian soon became an instrumental part of the Antigonish chapter, sharing his auctioneering skills and many other talents to help strengthen its fundraising activities. Last year, Adrian took on a new challenge by establishing a new DUC volunteer chapter nearby in Pictou County. He says it was something he could do to help supply the community with something they need – funds for conserving natural areas.

“When I asked Adrian about helping to start a new chapter, he welcomed the opportunity with open arms,” says Jamie Young, DUC’s fundraising manager for Nova Scotia. “He organized a great team of volunteers that put on its first successful event last fall that I’m sure will only continue to grow in years to come. Adrian is a great example of a volunteer who continues to go above and beyond to support DUC and its mission of wetland conservation.”

National volunteer week, April 19-25, is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the work of volunteers like Adrian. 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.”

Adrian Van de Sande is looking forward to many more years of volunteering with DUC and someday sharing his passion for conservation with children of his own. For him, ensuring the next generation enjoys the many benefits healthy wetland areas have to offer is the most important reason to get involved.

“When I have kids, I want them to have what I had growing up – the opportunity to explore and enjoy nature.”         

 
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