Conservation for future generations

Everyone has their own reasons for stepping forward to volunteer for a cause. For some, it’s simply to give back, while for others, it’s to enrich their community. Andrew Abbott, Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer of the Year, is motivated by all these reasons, and one more: family.

Abbott began volunteering with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) seven years ago when a friend approached him about starting a new local chapter in Labrador West. “At the time, we had just had our first child,” he says. “I realized that it would be a chance to help preserve these natural spaces so that my own children would be able to enjoy nature the same way I did when I was growing up.”

Since then, Abbott has become a big part of DUC in the region and has now taken on a leadership role as chair of the DUC Labrador West chapter. He has been key to the development and support of fundraising events, and one of the main reasons the committee has flourished. From leading and rolling out a new raffle called Get Set for Winter, to selling tickets, to bringing environmental awareness to the public through boots-on-the-ground effort, Abbott has been instrumental in expanding the conservation and education efforts of DUC in the province.

All of this comes second nature to Abbott. “Growing up, I always volunteered at a number of events and organizations such as our local hospital auxiliary and the legions,” he says. “I enjoy it, meeting new people, educating them. I encourage everyone to get out and volunteer as well. Even if it’s just for a few hours a year, it makes a difference, and you get to make some lifelong memories.”

As much as he enjoys assisting with DUC auctions and raffles, most of Abbott’s favourite volunteer memories have come from his time in the outdoors. “I love working with our duck box projects. Our success rate with the 300 boxes we’ve distributed is really high. I also volunteer with Scouts Canada as a beaver scouter,” he adds. “Each year we teach the kids about duck nesting boxes and get them to place a new one of their own that they can check on with their families for years to come.”

Like all DUC volunteers, Abbott is quick to credit those who work with him for his success. “I couldn’t accept this award without properly acknowledging my fellow committee members at Chapter 810,” says Andrew. “They all share the same passion and love for the outdoors and environment that I do, without them behind me we wouldn’t accomplish much.”