With the annual Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) fundraising banquet just over two weeks away, tickets are already getting scarce — less than three dozen remain out of 250.
The popular event pulls in about $24,000 each year, with live and silent auctions creating a fun atmosphere for guests, who attend to socialize and enjoy a buffet dinner, which includes hors d’oeuvres, prime rib and local wines. It’s a lot of fit into a short period, but this year’s auctions have been streamlined a bit.
“There’s going to be a little more time for people to enjoy themselves,” said Creston DUC committee member Lou Knafla.
All proceeds from the Creston banquet and auction, as well as other DUC events, are invested in prioritized provincial and regional wetland conservation and restoration projects, including the Creston Wildlife Management Area (CVWMA), and $73,000 has been spent in the past year alone.
Since 2006 — and in collaboration with the province, Columbia Basin Trust, Habitat Conservation Habitat Trust Foundation, Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, Wildlife Canada and others — DUC and the CVWMA have upgraded 14 water control structures, removed seven redundant structures and repaired close to 10 kilometres of dikes — for a total amount exceeding $1 million. With work in the Corn Creek and Leach Lake units nearly complete, the next major project will address infrastructure in the Six Mile Slough unit, west of Duck Lake.
This year’s event will again be MCed by Tanya Wall, but guests will notice a difference — many more local products, including two paintings by Eileen Hirota, in the auctions.
“Usually it’s really dominated by the stuff we get from the Ducks organization, and this year, we have more local items, including gift certificates from local businesses,” said Knafla.
Local businesses, Knafla said, have been incredibly supportive, knowing that the money raised will stay in the community and go to a good cause.
“People know where the money goes, and they have no qualms whatsoever about giving a donation to the wildlife centre,” said Knafla.
Tickets are $45 for adults and $15 for children 17 and under (children’s tables will include activities), available by calling Gertie Brown at 250-428-7581. Tickets purchased before Sept. 20 are eligible for an early bird draw.