Dawson Creek conservationist Don Bourassa named Ducks Unlimited Canada Volunteer of the Year for British Columbia

Dawson Creek, B.C., April 08, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Across the province, passionate people are banding together to create a healthier world. They’re helping conserve wetlands to protect our water, our wildlife and our future. These people are Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) volunteers. Don Bourassa is one of them.

A 25-plus year volunteer with DUC, Bourassa is a force for conservation. In his quarter century volunteering with DUC, Bourassa has helped establish Dawson Creek as one of the most engaged and active chapters in B.C., consistently ranking in the top three in fundraising. This commitment earned him the honour of DUC’s Volunteer of the Year for B.C.

“This was not something that was on my radar,” says Bourassa. “I’m grateful to be honoured, but this award goes beyond recognizing just me. We have such a strong committee, a dedicated group of volunteers, and a supportive business community that I share this honour with. I love being outdoors, whether it’s canoeing, camping, or hunting. Being part of Ducks is something I feel I need to do to give back to the important work in the conservation of wetlands.”

DUC is supported by more than 5,600 volunteers across the country. This includes more than 840 in B.C. Volunteers carry out a number of activities, including organizing fundraising events, serving our board, pitching in at local conservation project sites, helping with educational programs and lending a hand at local DUC offices.

“He knows when to be a leader, when to be a team player, and most importantly, he’s a great ambassador for DUC,” said Ken Ferris, Manager of Volunteers and Events for DUC in Norther B.C. “Four years ago, the Dawson Creek event was in jeopardy of folding due to the retiring of their long standing chair. This would have been potential major loss for wetland conservation. Don stepped up as co-chair, and the next year took on the chair position. He has assembled a great team of enthusiastic volunteers, and he continues to recognize that succession is key to the health of the chapter by recruiting new members each year.”

National Volunteer Week (April 7- 13) is an opportunity to recognize generous people like Bourassa who share their time and talents to help make a difference in their community. It’s also a reminder that giving back has many rewards. That’s because the wetlands volunteers help DUC save aren’t just for ducks, they’re for everyone. Wetlands keep the water in lakes and rivers clean. They protect communities from floods and droughts. They provide homes for wildlife and places to enjoy the outdoors. All are invaluable gifts.

“Volunteers are the heart and hands that make our work possible,” says Karla Guyn, chief executive officer for DUC. “Ducks Unlimited Canada was founded in 1938 by volunteers who saw an urgent need to conserve wetlands to protect the outdoor lifestyles they loved. The same desire drives our volunteers today. Our success in safeguarding wetlands across the country is thanks to their efforts.”

During National Volunteer Week, help DUC celebrate the thousands of volunteers who are making a difference. Better yet, join them. Your wetlands and your community need more forces for conservation. Learn more at ducks.ca/volunteer

- 30 -

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment.