Alberta’s Gregg Gallaway named DUC’s National Volunteer of the Year

Gregg Gallaway is in it for the long-term. The safety specialist from Fort Saskatchewan, Alta. is in his 34th year of volunteering for DUC with no plans of hanging up his duckhead-logoed hat anytime soon. For Gallaway, supporting wetland conservation is an investment in the future.

“When I look at what I’m doing now, I know that my grandchildren are going to see the results. They’ll be able to see what we’ve done. Conservation is a long-term, lasting thing.”

While his grandchildren are still too young to understand the significant contributions he’s making, DUC understands. DUC has named Gallaway its National Volunteer of the Year. The prestigious award is given to one individual from DUC’s team of more than 5,600 outstanding volunteers across the country.

A humble conservation champion

“I was shocked,” Gallaway says in describing his reaction to the news. “I don’t do it for the rewards, I do it because I’m a strong believer in the cause. It’s a real honour.”

One nominee from every province was put forward to be considered for the National Volunteer of the Year award. A selection committee of senior volunteers from across the country then had the difficult task of crowning a winner. They considered how long each nominee has been volunteering with DUC, what leadership roles they have taken on, their accomplishments and the unique ways they promote DUC within their communities.

A deserving recipient

Known as a prolific fundraiser, Gallaway serves on several DUC volunteer committees that raise critical funds for wetland conservation. He also acts as chair of the committee in his home community of Fort Saskatchewan, which hosts an annual dinner and auction.

Connecting the next generation to conservation and its importance is also a focus for Gallaway, as he often represents DUC at outdoor education events for young people.

“I’m a firm believer in taking the young ones out and letting them get dirty and muck around,” he says. “Let them see the bugs and the critters and what is all there.”

But perhaps most commendable is the support he extends to his fellow volunteers. Gallaway serves as the chair of DUC’s provincial volunteer council in Alberta and makes himself readily available to help other volunteers and committees, often travelling across the province to meet face-to-face. This interaction and collaboration fuels Gallaway’s efforts.

“Everybody has a passion. When you work with people who share the same passion, it makes you go that much harder. Volunteering with DUC is very rewarding that way.”

An advocate for water

Gallaway grew up in a family that hunted, fished and was closely tied to the land. The role of abundant, clean water in these activities—and in life overall—is the key reason he supports DUC’s wetland conservation mission.

“Nothing can live without water. I always come back to that. We’re doing our part to either clean it up or make sure we have enough. And the work that we’re doing benefits everyone.”

On behalf of all Canadians who enjoy the many benefits wetland conservation provides, DUC thanks volunteers like Gregg Gallaway who make it possible.