Dauphin conservationist Gerald Thiele named Ducks Unlimited Canada Volunteer of the Year in Manitoba

Oak Hammock Marsh, Man., 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. Gerald Thiele is one of them.

A 21-year volunteer with DUC, Thiele is a force for conservation. He’s a skilled fundraiser and ambassador who helps raise critical funds for wetland conservation through DUC’s annual fundraising dinner and auction in Dauphin. Always willing to lend a hand, Thiele also travels to other DUC events in the area to assist his fellow volunteers. He believes strongly in educating the next generation about the importance of conservation and has helped his DUC volunteer committee establish a bursary for local high school students enrolling in post secondary studies related to environmental sciences. This commitment has earned Thiele the honour of DUC’s Volunteer of the Year in Manitoba.

“Water conservation is an important issue now and will be in the future,” says Thiele. “Canada is blessed with an abundance of fresh water that needs to be protected. I volunteer for Ducks Unlimited Canada because they have the staff and the knowledge to play an important role in protecting this resource.”

DUC is supported by more than 5,600 volunteers across the country. This includes more than 760 in Manitoba. 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.

“Gerald is one of the hardest working volunteers that you will have the pleasure of meeting,” says Brad Porath, manager of events and volunteer relations for DUC in Manitoba. “He puts in the time to do whatever is needed to be done for our fundraising dinners. Gerald is also a mentor for all new committee members, working closely with new committee members or those assuming a new position to ensure that they have the understanding needed to excel in their position.”

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