Fort Saskatchewan conservationist Gregg Gallaway named Ducks Unlimited Canada National Volunteer of the Year

Edmonton, Alta., April 08, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thirty-four years and counting. That’s how long Gregg Gallaway has been volunteering with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) to help conserve wetlands that protect our water, our wildlife and our future. His long service and unwavering passion have earned him the prestigious title of DUC’s National Volunteer of the Year.

Hailing from Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., Gallaway is a force for conservation. Known as a prolific fundraiser, Gallaway serves on several DUC volunteer committees that raise critical funds for wetland conservation. He strongly believes in the need to educate youth about the importance of wetlands and represents DUC at many outdoor education events for young people. He’s also a passionate ambassador, speaking regularly with community groups about DUC and its mission. 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.

Gallaway was selected as DUC’s National Volunteer of the Year from nine other outstanding nominees from across the country.

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

DUC is supported by more than 5,600 volunteers across the country. This includes more than 1,200 in Alberta Volunteers carry out a number of activities, including serving our board, organizing fundraising events, pitching in at local conservation project sites, helping with educational programs and lending a hand at local DUC offices.

“Gregg is always waving the DUC flag and is a deserving recipient of the National Volunteer of the Year award,” says Mark DesRoches, manager of events and volunteer relations for DUC in Alberta. “Over his 34 years of service, Gregg has contributed countless hours of selfless dedication as an active volunteer, which speaks volumes about what he has done, does, and continues to do for our organization.”

National Volunteer Week (April 7- 13) is an opportunity to recognize generous people like Gallaway 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

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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.