Soar: the enewsletter for DUC volunteers: Issue 6, February 2022

From one volunteer to another 

As a kid growing up in rural Newfoundland, the outdoors was considered a vast playground with endless possibilities to explore, and the excitement that came along with this luxury is immeasurable. Following my dad into the woods and wetlands around our community taught me from a very early age the importance of these wetlands and how they were such a vital part of the environment and the lively hood of the wildlife and people that used them. 

As an avid outdoorsman my father taught me early on that if we were going to use and take from these natural areas, we must find a way to give back to the resource, take only what you need and never take it for granted. 

This upbringing and early learning experience are what led me down the conservation path. With 15 years under my belt as a Conservation Officer in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, I still found myself wanting to do more. This is what inspired me to reach out to Ducks Unlimited Canada back in 2018 and start a volunteer chapter in Labrador West. The chapter started out small and has quickly grown to become one of the top chapters in the country, the motivation to achieve such an accomplishment can only be credited to 2 things; my dad’s famous saying: “If something isn’t worth working for, it’s not worth having,” and my undeniable passion for conservation and the amazing work done by DUC.  

So why become a volunteer? The answer in my mind is quite simple. Every person in the country benefits from the conservation of wetlands. Whether it is using the wetland for recreational activities, fishing, hunting, and hiking or if it is as simple as turning on your tap and filling your glass with clean drinking water. Each and every one of us benefit from the wetlands that DUC works tirelessly to protect, so that these luxuries are here for the next generation. 

The natural world around us is shrinking and without the efforts of volunteers like you, the protection of these areas would be much harder to achieve, after all volunteers are the face of DUC, we are “the engine that drives the DUC car”. 

These past 2 years have found us in uncharted waters when it comes to fundraising for DUC. The pandemic has all but halted any fundraising efforts across the country, so as 2022 begins I encourage every single volunteer and chapter across the country to start thinking outside the box. We are all optimistic that we will see the return of our live events and banquets, but in the meantime, there are endless ways we can contribute. The Labrador West Chapter ran 2 firearms raffles during the pandemic, selling out both with 1100 tickets combined. We incorporated an additional draw for anyone who donated to the local foodbank, just before Christmas. We were able to give the foodbank a $1000 donation. Our chapter also ran an ATV raffle this past year, selling 400 tickets in 4 days. These are the types of ideas that volunteer chapters can use as example. By doing these large raffles we can reach a much larger portion of our community than if we just did our annual dinner and auction. The support and relationship building in our community has significantly grown due to these extra efforts. We have a growing list of people interested in attending our dinner and auction as a result. No idea is a bad idea and volunteers are encouraged to reach out to other chapters and volunteers to share ideas until we can get 100% back to normal. 

As volunteers we need to remember that the time we give to DUC isn’t about us as individuals, it is about being a part of something much bigger and something much more important. It is about ensuring that the next generation of Canadians gets to enjoy the vast playgrounds that we did as kids and it is about raising funds and giving back to the natural resource that we should never take for granted.  

As volunteers, we need to get back to what we do best, and that is supporting and contributing to DUC, and ensure that each and every one of us plays our part in “Conserving Canadas Wetlands”. 

Luke Parsons
DUC Volunteer
Labrador West Chapter 

DUC Volunteer Challenge

On behalf of Lisa Peebles, DUC Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, provincial council volunteer members, and DUC staff we would like to share with you a fun and engaging challenge. We faced some struggles and achieved many milestones in 2021 and we need your support to continue with a positive trend.  

We are ready to host our extraordinary in-person fundraising events and will continue to offer more opportunities to all volunteers.   

We would like to offer our valued volunteers a challenge. Please meet with your committee members to start planning your next event/raffle/auction or any other innovative ideas you may have for this spring/fall. Take a group picture of your committee at the meeting and email it to volunteer@ducks.ca.  Be sure to include your committee’s name and proposed event date. If you have any social media accounts, go ahead and show the world how excited you are to be planning something for this year.    

All submissions will be entered into a draw to win a gift card to purchase snacks & refreshments for your next committee meeting.

Let’s make 2022 one of the best years we have ever had! You have support from all DUC staff and your provincial council volunteer members.

Join our Volunteer Appreciation Events

Volunteers, unite! Safely mingle online with your fellow volunteers to have fun and share ideas.  

This free, interactive event will feature:  

• Volunteer years of service milestone celebrations, provincial Volunteer of the Year announcements and Volunteer Innovation Award announcement.
• Door prizes and entertainment.
• A report on local conservation accomplishments from the past year.
• An update on our goals and plans for the year ahead from members of our fundraising team.
• Breakout collaboration sessions for volunteers to brainstorm ideas and best practices.

An agenda and Zoom link will be emailed to you the day before the event, along with instructions about how to prepare for the evening.  

Please register by clicking on the link below for the event you wish to attend. This event is free for all volunteers to attend. If you have multiple volunteers in the same household, please ensure each volunteer registers separately so everyone has an equal chance to win prizes.  

If you know of potential new volunteers, please send them the registration link and encourage them to attend.   

This is an opportunity for DUC to thank you for your dedication and effort in helping us continue our wetland conservation work. The success we enjoy is a direct result of the commitment, passion, and leadership that you display in your community. You are all amazing!   

British Columbia

Further updates to our last events from 2021  

Kamloops Fundraiser:  

Congratulations to the Kamloops Chapter Volunteers on the success of this year’s Mega Fall Raffle. When in-person events were again postponed, these dedicated volunteers led by Chair, Glenn Dreger decided to host another high-end raffle that raised $14,000.00 for DUC! The chapter received great support from the Kamloops community in the form of donated prizes and ticket purchases. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this year’s raffle another big success for conservation.   

Burns Lake VIP Raffle:  

The Burns Lake chapter, led by Ray Maher and Craig Little, held their second VIP Raffle in December. Ten lucky individuals received amazing prizes just in time for Christmas. The support of the local community helped make this raffle a big success for DUC, which raised over $7,000.00. Thank you, Burns Lake volunteers, for your continued support.    

Dawson Creek Silent Auction:  

When it became apparent that in-person events were once again on hold, the Dawson Creek chapter went forward with another online silent auction. The volunteers solicited the local community for sponsorships and donations, and were rewarded with great support. The auction raised close to $12,000. A big thanks to Don Bourassa and the entire Dawson Creek chapter volunteers for embracing this new way of fundraising.   

AB/BC Volunteer Appreciation/Workshop:  

We are excited to announce our upcoming virtual volunteer appreciation event on Thursday February 24. The evening will feature national and provincial conservation updates, a celebration of volunteer milestones, entertainment from BC’s own #1 Musical Comedian Kenny Shaw, and so much more. Please watch for your invite in your inbox. We hope you can join us!  

BC Volunteer Opportunities:  

Ducks Unlimited BC is currently seeking to hire two new volunteer roles. If you are looking for an exciting new volunteer opportunity, look no further. Please see links below for more information on these volunteer positions.    

Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator   

Volunteer Data Coordinator   

Lexie Redl
Manager of Volunteer and Corporate Fundraising
604-833-5048 

Alberta

We are so grateful to the volunteers who have had the chance to start planning some events for 2022 already!  Our new CEO Larry Kaumeyer has said to “start the car” and we know the volunteers are up to that challenge.  

The DUC Old’s committee hosted a banquet on February 5 and we want to thank the volunteers and supporters from that event. It feels so good to get back to some normalcy already this year.  

Upcoming Events being planned:  

• Fort Saskatchewan Banquet for April 8 
• Edmonton Sporting Clay Shot for May 7  
• Chinook Drakes Banquet May 13 

Volunteers Needed:  

• We need your help! We are looking to add a Ride for Conservation Event. We are looking to start this as a new initiative and need help in getting it rolling for this summer.    

Saskatchewan

Hello Saskatchewan volunteers and supporters:  

We are thrilled it’s a new year and with the new year comes hopes of “starting the car” and getting going with having in-person events again. 

We are starting 2022 with our annual volunteer appreciation workshop and banquet on February 19 at the Western Development Museum. We have more than 40 people signed up at this point and expect a bit more.  

This event features a day for volunteers to learn what is new and exciting with DUC (Ducks Unlimited Canada) and gives everyone a chance to connect and talk about what has been going on the last couple of years. This event will also allow our valued volunteers to share what they think will work well in the coming months for events.  

And more importantly, attendees can enjoy a night with auctions, raffles, games, a great meal, and cocktails. We are extremely excited we can have this event and look forward to seeing so many of our volunteers.  

You can also expect to see the Thirsty Mallard event return this year! We are planning an event that will take place Friday, March 11 at the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation. This event features 10 fun raffle games, a shooter bar, a great meal, and drinks. It’s a carnival-like event for all ages.  

You can also expect to see our Lumdsen event run this year thanks to some great volunteers who are also a part of the Regina Ladies committee. A big shout out goes to Dan Crofts and Roxanne Hilts for taking the reins to keep the Lumsden event going. You should also know that the Regina and area volunteers are still doing monthly “Duck Drops” and the occasional silent auction. The Ducks Drops are a 50/50 raffle that anyone can take part in.  

Another exciting event coming up is the Saskatoon Ladies “Roaring 20’s” event on May 13 at the Western Development Museum. This spring sparkle event features auctions, raffles, great food, and drinks. It’s been two years since this event happened so make sure you get your tickets!  

All for now from the prairies. Stay tuned for more events this spring, including the 2nd annual DUC Quad Raffle. Tickets will go on sale April 1.   

Travis Behning
Manager of Volunteers & Corporate Fundraising 
306-290-4992  

Manitoba

As we look out onto the frozen snow-covered prairie, and prepare ourselves for yet another snow, blizzard conditions, – 47 windchilled day, there is still lots to be thankful of and look forward to.  

As I hang up the phone from calling an extremely excited week #5 winner (James Katchur) from our calendar raffle, I am reminded of the great volunteers behind the scenes that made it possible. Chair of the calendar committee Jim Anton, members: Lindsay Lanphear, Alex Resvick, Kyle & Rebecca Waczko, and Treasurer Nicole Depauw. Without the contributions of these amazing volunteers planning the photo contest, securing sponsors, and tracking/distributing the calendars, it could never have been the success it has been for 2 years running. I thank you all for your amazing contributions.  

The Welander’s are at it again with another external Raffle. They are running a Valentine’s Day Raffle, draw to be made on the 13th, check them out on social media @UofMWetlanders. They have also committed to lead a group volunteering to rebuild nesting structures at the Oak Hammock Marsh next month. Thanks. 

As the Pandemic loosens its grip on society, and public health restrictions lesson, this surely makes way for the return to in-person fundraising events. Several committees have already started to meet this month in the hopes of having their dream of a spring event move forward to becoming a reality. I thank them for taking this initiative and look forward to working with them to “Start the Car” on their next event. Still a little unsure of getting going this spring, I am happy to discuss options for outdoor events or other community fundraising opportunities.  

Please be sure and join us during our Virtual Volunteer appreciation workshops this month. Where we will take the time to show our appreciation once more of the splendid work our volunteers took part in this past year, and celebrate some of your volunteering milestones, along with recognising our new “Volunteer of The Year.” I look forward to seeing you then.   

Brad Porath
Manager of Volunteers & Corporate Fundraising 
204-781-0746 

Atlantic provinces

The Atlantic provinces are as busy as ever planning for events in 2022.   

We’d like to give a huge shout-out and send a big thank you to all the volunteers and supporters who helped with the first ever calendar raffle. It was extremely successful and we couldn’t have done without all the support each volunteer gave.  Whether you sold 1 or 100 calendars, you contributed to its success.  We’re looking forward to planning for the 2023 calendar raffle.  Back by popular demand will be the photo contest so stay tuned for more details on that soon.  

A big thank you to the committees who helped make this calendar raffle a success:  

• Montague
• Labrador West  
• Charlottetown
• Sydney  
• Fredericton
• Truro  
• Moncton
• Valley  
• Lars Larsen
• Amherst  
• Harvey
• East Hants  
• Kent County
• Shelburne  
• Headpond
• Exploits Valley  
• Hampton
• Antigonish  
• Memramcook
• Corner Brook  
• KV
• Sackville  
• NB Provincial Council
• NS Provincial Council 

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events 

• The second Annual Fly Tyers Challenge launched on January 31. This is part of DUC’s Outdoor series and will have an international category this year! This is being led by Luke Parsons, Cam Thompson and Burt Myers.  
• There is an Outfitter initiative in the development stages with more details to be shared in March.  
• New Brunswick’s Provincial Council Volunteers are planning a provincial wide banner raffle.  Additional volunteer support would be greatly appreciated.  
• New Brunswick is also hosting a provincial wide Auction being led by Chris Fader.  

Volunteer Opportunities 

• We need your help! We are looking to add a Ride for Conservation to the Atlantic provinces. We are looking to start this as a new initiative and need help in getting it rolling for this summer.  
• Volunteers wanted for the New Brunswick provincial wide banner raffle and auction.  

Please reach out to Jamie Young for further information on the volunteer opportunities or to sign up to volunteer. Thank you to all our passionate volunteers for all you do to help advance conservation in Atlantic Canada and beyond!   

Jamie Young
Manager of Volunteer & Corporate Fundraising 
902-899-6697