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Ecowrappin'
Man, do these guys know how to fundraise!
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
We are approaching the return of annual events that are always a sure sign of spring. I do not mean the first robin though, or even the return of the swans as they pass through our area. I mean the time is getting close for the Ducks Unlimited Canada Dinners & Wildlife Art Auctions.If you have never attended one of these events, you owe yourself the experience. Draws, games, door prizes, silent auction, live auction and more, make for an excitement-filled evening. Yes, it is a fundraising event that enables Ducks Unlimited Canada to do their good work; so bring your wallet, and your credit card too!
You will see some unique wildlife prints and sculptures of certified collector quality. There will also be many useful items and tools for outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen as well as many things to decorate, or use in, your home. Many local businesses donate prizes as well.
I took a friend to one last year and her comment was, "Man, do these guys know how to fundraise!" Sure people want to win things, but there is also a spirit of camaraderie present among people because they know that it is all going to benefit wetland habitat work.
I have obtained quite a collection of DUC items, some purchased and some I was lucky enough to win. I always put in for the "Duck Crossing" sign but have never gotten one yet? It is just a silly thing that I always try for, although I do not know what I would do with it if I did have it!
On a grander scale, following on last year's very successful and attention-grabbing Bobby Orr framed, autographed sweater and puck, there are two more similar celebrity endorsed products to help with DUC fundraising. Both Gordie Howe and Mike Weir have put together very collectable packages that are offered only at this year's DUC events. A word of caution though, not every event will have both items so if you have an interest in one or the other, check before buying your ticket that what you want will be at that event. I do know that the Sarnia event will have both items at it.
Upcoming DUC Dinner events are:
The Erie-St.Clair Chapter banquet takes place April 7 at the C.A.W. Hall in Chatham. Doors open at 5:30 PM and dinner is served at 7:00 PM. For information and tickets call Stan Vincent at 352-1148 or Doug King at 360-1656
The Sarnia/Lambton Chapter of DUC has its Banquet on April 17, at the CEP Union Hall, 900 Devine Street. Call Darrell Randell at 627-3764 or Duane Inkpen at 541-1268
The Rondeau Bay Dinner is at Ridgetown on May 15/04. Mark McLennan has tickets at 674-0655.
A little later in the year the Light House Cove Dinner is scheduled for Sept 9/04.
Darrell Randell works for Ducks Unlimited Canada as a Conservation Programs Specialist in South West Ontario. Before that he was a Lambton County Pork Producer for 25 years. He served 2 terms on Sombra Township Council, 1994-2000, and is currently a councillor in St Clair Township. He is a past president of the Lambton County Federation of Agriculture. He was a founding member of the Rural Lambton Stewardship Network and served as chairman of that group from 1995-2003. He and Nancy have 3 grown children, each of whom they are extremely proud.
