A family affair
Craig MacLaren recognized for his efforts with Ducks Unlimited Canada in P.E.I.
Craig MacLaren, a dedicated hunter, fisherman and volunteer, has been named Ducks Unlimited Canada's (DUC) volunteer of the year for P.E.I.
MacLaren’s roots run deep in the non-profit organization's tight-knit volunteer community on Prince Edward Island. The ties that bind MacLaren, a 14-year volunteer, to DUC are both natural and familial.
“My father is a 30-year DUC volunteer,” says MacLaren.
“He helped me understand the importance of conserving our wetlands. When I was young, he took me to the spots he hunted with his dad. I remember finding the dory he used to cross the creek years ago. I remember thinking this is so cool and interesting. Now I take my daughter to those same spots.”
After helping his father at DUC events for a couple of years, MacLaren decided to officially volunteer.
“I started with our
Waterfowlers Dinner in New London and then joined the Prince County chapter in 2006.”
At first, the Summerside native helped with event set up, selling tickets and assembling prizes. He then became the emcee.
When the chair of the Prince County dinner stepped down, MacLaren stepped up.
“The committee didn’t hesitate to ask Craig if he would take on the role of chair,” says Jamie Young, DUC manager of volunteer fundraising in Atlantic Canada.
“He has fallen into leadership seamlessly. He makes being part of the DUC team a fun and great place to be.”
MacLaren’s efforts have paid off.
“We have a great time together and when it’s time for a dinner we are like a welloiled machine,” he says.
“I am always up for keeping the dinner fresh and current. And our members try and help our surrounding chapters.”