Another sellout crowd was on hand to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Unity’s chapter of Ducks Unlimited, whose mandate is to conserve Canada’s wetlands.
Before supper, Rus Prescott made special mention of long time DU supporters Roy and Mary Livesley, noting Roy volunteered at the event for 32 years, along with giving grace. As Mary had died previously and with Roy’s recent death, Roy’s daughters provided a written grace for the night, which Rus presented. But, before that grace was given, Prescott asked those in attendance for a moment of silence to remember and recognize Roy’s dedication to the Ducks Unlimited events.
Bill Fraser, Ed Lantz, Alvin Riess and Bryan Simpson were recognized at this year’s event as all four men have been a part of DU in Unity for its entire 35-year history. with all but Simpson being present to receive this recognition.
Travis Behning, Mmanager of events and volunteers for Ducks Unlimited, presented three of the four original members of the Unity chapter special awards and extended his gratefulness for their dedicated service.
What began as a small group of wildlife enthusiasts, and people wanting to raise awareness for conservation, has now grown into a huge community event. These four volunteers received a framed certificate of appreciation for their 35 years of service as well as a hand-carved, painted black duck decoy to commemorate their milestone service. All these gentleman had to be called to the front, as they were busy fulfilling their volunteer roles throughout the hall, just as they had been doing for 35 years.
Ducks Unlimited Canada also expressed thanks to the committee of volunteers in Unity for their years of dedicated service. The Unity Ducks Unlimited chapter is made up of 25 individuals from the Unity area. The dinner is also sponsored by 20 individuals and businesses. Both presenters and volunteers recognized that without the continued community support, the event would not be as successful as it has been for so many years.
In their 35-year history, the Ducks Unlimited Unity event has raised $771,759 for conservation projects. Within the RM of Unity, there have been150 projects over 33,095 acres of land. Ducks Unlimited Canada has invested $11,802,097 in these projects.
