Jamie Mountain
It was a night of good food, good prizes, and good fellowship at the 34th-annual Ducks Unlimited banquet and auction held Friday at the Fort Frances Curling Club.
About 190 people attended the event to help raise more than $30,000 for the Fort Frances branch of DU.
More than $30,000 also was raised last year for DU, ranking it in the top 20 of Ontario fundraising events.
“We had a great night tonight,” enthused co-organizer Charles Fisher.
“Made a lot of money, which is good, and you guys [the attendees] are to thank for that.
“As are all the volunteers that are here tonight, who have helped out over the weeks that have been leading up to tonight, and everybody who has donated some of the great stuff that we have been able to sell or give away,” he added.
The Fort Frances fundraising committee of DU Canada is proud to recognize the contributions made to conservation by individuals and businesses in Rainy River District.
This year’s recipients of the Conservation Awards were Lorne Koski (individual) and Badiuk’s Powersports (business) for their long-standing support and contributions.
A prime rib dinner, prepared by local chef Todd Moxham, then was enjoyed by those on hand.
Auctioneer Telford Advent, who had the crowd in stitches with his humour during the live auction portion of the night, also received a gift for being part of the proceedings once again.
DU Canada’s story always has been one of perseverance.
Whether that’s joining forces with landowners, government, and other partners to restore, conserve, and protect wetlands so their physical and functional characteristics are returned to the land, working to ensure wetland conservation stays top of mind with provincial and municipal decision-makers, or connecting their conservation work to local communities through the steadfast support of passionate volunteers.
DU Canada and the DU Fort Frances committee are proud donors to various community events and fundraisers, such as Riverside Foundation for Health Care, Rainy River District Agricultural Society “Gold Rush Gala,” Border Waters Dragon Boat Festival, and the Fort Frances Museum “Save The Owandem” fundraiser.
The DU Fort Frances committee also is partnering with the Town of Fort Frances to replace the three existing DU signs on the La Verendrye Parkway and also to expand the number of signs in the project.
These educational panels provide information on animal species common to the area.
