Saskatchewan’s Jim Bedi nominated for Volunteer of the Year

“I want my grandchildren and their grandchildren to be able to experience the beauty of the fall migration, as well as all of nature’s smallest and largest wonders,” says Jim Bedi, DUC’s Suzuki Volunteer of the Year nominee from Spiritwood, Sask.

Bedi volunteers with DUC because he strongly believes in our conservation mission. As one who has spent years enjoying the outdoors, he wants people to do their part to protect the environment so it will survive for future generations to enjoy.

“I was not born into an ‘outdoor’ family,” says Bedi. “We didn’t hunt or fish, but I had relatives and friends that introduced me to the outdoors and I could not get enough. I quickly realized that without giving back, it would not last.”

Bedi’s DUC volunteer journey began in 1987 when he and a colleague met with DUC employees to explore the possibilities of forming a DUC Chapter in Spiritwood. He began as a volunteer next year, and has since passed through every role on his committee. He has fulfilled the treasurer role the longest.

“With my finance background, I have to say that I enjoy treasurer the most,” says Bedi. “I also served as zone chair for North West Saskatchewan for a time.”

Bedi volunteers for several causes in his community, but being a founding member of his DUC Committee gives our conservation organization a special place in his heart.

“From the beginning, I’ve always stated that raising money from an event is a great thing, but the true test of a successful fundraising event is if you’re still around after 25 years,” he says. “To still be part of our dinner after 25 years was a very proud moment for me. Having most of my family with me at that twenty-fifth dinner was quite special.”

His future goals as a DUC volunteer are to recruit fresh, young committed people into his committee. He wants to take pride in being able to hand over his responsibilities to someone who shares his beliefs and values.

“Being part of a DUC Committee is like having a second family,” says Bedi. “It’s a great way to meet new people, forge new friendships and bonds that can last for a lifetime. It’s a great event that supports a great cause.”

Bedi believes that everyone can bring something to the table when it comes to volunteering, but that lots of energy and commitment certainly help.

“It’s very gratifying to know that our efforts are helping make a difference in our natural world,” says Bedi. “DUC’s conservation work is vital. Being able to restore wetlands and natural environments is an amazing thing. Mankind needs to realize that fresh water is the key to our existence. Without it, we cannot survive.”

Vote Jim for DUC’s national Volunteer of the Year to celebrate his efforts and show some provincial pride! You can vote once a day until voting closes Friday, April 1, 2016.