Dedicated to “the Ducks” for more than three decades

If a possible new fundraising event or program comes up in a Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) Kent County Chapter meeting, you can bet that you’ll hear Terry Rodgers asking, “How can I help?”

With more than 33 years volunteering with DUC in New Brunswick, Rodgers works tirelessly to make every DUC event, and every program, a success. Rodger is now being recognized with DUC’s Volunteer of the Year award in New Brunswick for his dedication and enthusiasm.

Those who volunteer alongside Rodgers have similar comments to share about the man whose truck is emblazoned with DUC stickers and a DUC-inspired graphics wrap: “Terry is unstoppable. He supports every online auction, brings in donations, attends every volunteer meeting he can possibly attend. No matter what the job is, he’s the first to raise his hand.”

As one of the founding members of the Kent County Chapter, Rodgers is considered as the fundraising backbone of the committee. “Since our first event,” recalls one of his fellow committee volunteers, “Terry has worked year-round, contacting potential supporters and maintaining relationships with existing contributors.”

Not surprisingly, Rodgers’ efforts extend well beyond fundraising in support of DUC’s wetland conservation mission, such as conservation education and public awareness. Nowhere is this more evident than in his support of Project Webfoot, a DUC education program designed to enrich children with a deeper understanding of nature by providing field trips and classroom supplies. Since the beginning of Project Webfoot, Rodgers has dedicated himself to ensuring that every Grade 4 class in Kent County is included. Now, the funding that supports Project Webfoot comes from a single generous donor, and it was Rodgers who made it all possible.

“Essentially, Terry participates in all facets of committee operations,” says another volunteer. “Not just the planning, but the other side too.” Rodgers is even known to help assemble and repair auction items bringing the very best of his diverse talents to the cause; talents he has honed as a stained-glass artist and small engine repair specialist.

You might call him “the fixer,” on the event circuit. Rodgers himself admits he’s regularly asked: “What hat are you wearing today?”  Everything he does is motivated by one thing. “I love nature,” Rodgers says. “Everything needs water, and wetlands are one of the most productive systems on Earth.”

Where Rodgers goes, his family is usually not far behind. He and his wife Judy have supported DUC committees in Amherst, Moncton, Memramcook, Miramichi, and others as well. Over the years, even his children have picked up the volunteer mantle and helped at fundraising events.

Whether he’s out fundraising, visiting schools with small critters, or lending his skills to auctions, Terry Rodgers is a proud carrier of the DUC banner and a champion for wildlife conservation. He’s an extraordinary example of what it means to give back.

There are approximately 200 DUC volunteers in New Brunswick and 3,500 across Canada. DUC is proud to recognize each of them—including outstanding leaders like Terry Rodgers—as volunteer champions and conservationists who make every moment matter by serving with generosity, passion and dedication.