Something in the water

The Long Point Men’s and Long Point Ladies chapters celebrate their 50th and 40th anniversaries respectively in 2024. According to Marco Cunha, Ducks Unlimited Canada’s manager of volunteer and corporate fundraising in the area, “both chapters combined are a powerhouse in generating fundraising dollars for wetlands conservation.”

How is it this small lakeside community on Lake Erie with a population of about 1,400 continues to be a conservation fundraising dynamo?

“One of the reasons why this committee has stood the test of time is the connection to the unique history of Long Point and the waterfowl heritage that comes with it,” says Cunha. Long Point Bay cottagers attend the events, as well as duck hunters and members of hunt clubs from around the bay.

Despite the community support, it hasn’t always been easy for either chapter to keep the momentum. Men’s chapter members who helped get the fledgling fundraising concept off the ground stuck with it for decades. And then, the committee started losing members.

Paul VanLondersele’s late father, Dan, served as committee chair from 2000 to 2008 when longtime members began to step back. Paul has been a member since he was a teenager and at the helm as chair for more than a decade.

“The main goal I came in with more than 10 years ago was to get new blood in and come up with some new ideas,” says VanLondersele. Those ideas include prizes that appeal to younger generations – items like Yeti coolers and tumblers – and ensuring fun games to compete for raffle tickets. Exciting prizes attract new people and then, if inspired to join the committee, they in turn help solicit more prizes.

VanLondersele’s efforts paid off. The committee is double the size it was five years ago, and now sits at 25, ranging from teenagers to people in their forties. The VanLondersele family tradition continues with his wife Michelle and sons Dan and Travis assisting.

“One of the keys to keeping our members engaged and active is having a fantastic committee and dedicated membership group,” says VanLondersele. “It’s easy to lead when surrounded by such supportive and enthusiastic people. We prioritize clear communication, regularly updating everyone via email and understanding each member’s interests and strengths. This approach ensures that everyone feels valued and involved in our efforts, which has been crucial to our continued growth and success.”

Long Point Ladies: In it for the long run

Long Point Ladies’ chapter treasurer Darcy McWilliam grew up in a family of Ducks Unlimited Canada supporters and had attended many of the chapter’s dinners. About eight years ago, she heard the committee was experiencing low volunteer engagement and decided to join.

“I thought: ‘I know so many people and can get so many donations and can get help,’” she recalls. “I had always gone with my mom and sisters to these events. My father was a duck hunter and went to the men’s DU. It was just natural. DU was something I do.”

It was trial by fire for McWilliam, who had to assume the treasurer role the night of her first banquet, after the incumbent quit. Since then, she has been integral in rebuilding the committee, which now boasts 14 members. The 250 tickets to their October event sold out in early September.

The evening is charged with excitement, says McWilliam, noting they’ve offered big prizes like paddleboards, group fishing charters and days at the lingerie shop. The auction items for multiple people supercharge the crowd, with groups bidding against each other. The raffles are also popular.

The ladies are active outside the banquet, organizing a Duck and Run, a Fun Quarter Fundraiser and a Future Wetlands Protector program, which focuses on youth. The program includes presentations on duck calling and hunting, and participation from other local nature groups. Proceeds from the Fun Quarter Fundraiser go to the youth event.

To help boost the Ducks Unlimited Canada profile among their community, both Long Point committees also have a float in the local Bayfest parade.

Tradition runs deep in Long Point. “We must keep this history going. It’s not just what we’re doing today, but every-body who has been on committees the last 40 years,” says McWilliam.

Both chapters look to be on the path to ensuring that history continues. And there is a good chance, that when the men’s chapter celebrates its 100th anniversary, there could still be a VanLondersele on the committee.