Conservation Champion: Edmonton man named DUC Volunteer of the Year

Thirty six years and counting. That’s how long Chuck Moser has been volunteering with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) to help conserve wetlands and other natural areas. His long service and unwavering passion have earned him the prestigious title of DUC’s National Volunteer of the Year.

Moser was crowned by fellow DUC volunteers and supporters through an online vote earlier this month. Hailing from Edmonton, Alta., Moser was chosen from nine other top-notch nominees from across the country.

“I would have been plenty happy just to be an Albertan representing our province, but winning of course, is the ultimate. I know that there were some wonderful candidates from across Canada, and every one of them is deserving of this award.”

Moser’s extensive resumé of volunteer activities makes him a deserving recipient. He was part of the committee that organized the first-ever DUC fundraising dinner in Alberta, held in Edmonton in 1980. Since then, he can’t remember a time when he wasn’t volunteering or attending an event. Up until this summer, he and his wife Lynne also shared their time by managing a DUC sealed bid auction. He describes their home as “Ducks Unlimited shrine” decorated with all kinds of artwork, carvings and memorabilia they’ve amassed over the years.

This week is National Volunteer Week. To celebrate, Ducks Unlimited Canada is saluting the more than 5,200 volunteers like Moser who give life to conservation work across the country.

“Volunteers are the roots of strong communities. They’re also the roots of Ducks Unlimited Canada’s 78 years of conservation success,” says Greg Siekaniec, CEO of DUC. “Volunteers like Chuck give generously of their time, talents and passion. It’s an honour to pay tribute to them all, and represent them through our conservation efforts.”

DUC’s National Volunteer of the Year award is part of a larger recognition program. Sponsored by the Suzuki Canada Dealer Foundation, the Volunteer Champions Awards Program highlights exceptional DUC volunteers across the country who go the extra mile in their volunteer efforts.

“The conservation work Ducks Unlimited Canada volunteers deliver supports a healthy environment that all of us can enjoy,” says Bill Porter, president of Suzuki Canada. “Suzuki Canada is proud to sponsor such a worthy awards program that celebrates the efforts of many deserving volunteers who are working for a sustainable future.”

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.