CLARENVILLE, N.L. — “It’s just bred in me, I guess,” sums up Clarenville’s Lorne Squires about volunteering his time and efforts to his various endeavours, including Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).
He says his father and uncles were consummate volunteers and he learned from them.
DUC have recognized Squires during volunteer week as the Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer of the Year for their organization.
They say he helps “conserve wetlands to protect our water, our wildlife and our future.”
Originally from St. Anthony, Squires told The Packet he’s been a volunteer for decades, not only contributing to the local DUC by helping fundraising and arranging the annual banquet, but also as a volunteer firefighter.
Squires is a member of the DUC provincial volunteer council and helps raise funds with the dinner and auction each fall in Clarenville.
“He is known for his ability to recruit and motivate new volunteers through his contagious passion for conservation,” says a release from DUC.
In fact, DUC manager of events and volunteer relations Paul Wood says, “Every community needs a Lorne!”
Squires told The Packet he was inspired to volunteer for DUC by the work they do.
“For the wetlands, just to protect the water from flooding and drought, and the wildlife … it’s just something I like doing,” said Squires.
He says it’s not about hunting, it’s about preservation.
“I like to volunteer with Ducks Unlimited Canada to help preserve the environment for future generations.”
As a message for anyone looking to help causes, Squires encourages anybody – young or old –to get involved in any volunteering they can.
As an example, he’s told himself he’d volunteer with the local fire department for 15 years; he’s been a member for twice that and he’s still a firefighter.
“I love it.”
Squires is passionate and devoted, the epitome of a volunteer, and recognizes how important it is for everyone to take part.
“Volunteers is what makes the community work.”
What is Ducks Unlimited Canada?
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), was started in 1938 by concerned hunters, 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.
They have 6,600 active volunteers across Canada.
Clarenville DUC committee
Lorne Squires says he wouldn’t be able to volunteer without his faithful committee and wanted to thank them as well:
• Brenda Squires;
• Dennis Wiseman;
• Judy-Lynn Wiseman;
• Todd Davis;
• Kelli Davis;
• Rick Stanley;
• Margueritha Stanley;
• Dexter Holloway;
• Rhonda Holloway;
• Dave Patey;
• Byron Carville;
• Lisa Carville;
• Kirk Harris;
• and Tanya Harris.
Twitter: @jejparsons
