OFAH club recognized for conservation efforts

OFAH FILE: 842
March 18, 2013
For Immediate Release

OFAH club recognized for conservation efforts

Award renamed to honour dedicated member

Every year at its annual conference, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), Ontario’s largest nonprofit fish and wildlife conservation organization, recognizes the efforts of OFAH member clubs for its success during the Federation’s biggest fundraiser, the OFAH Conservation Lottery. On March 14, 2013 the Sudbury Game & Fish Protective Association was honoured as a sales leader. 

This year, the Bert Austin Trophy was renamed the Bruno Vanden Berghe OFAH Conservation Lottery Trophy, in honour of dedicated member and hardworking volunteer Bruno Vanden Berghe who passed away October 2012. He is remembered not only for his work with the lottery, but also for helping at various trade shows and conferences.  

The award is presented to the OFAH club with the highest ticket sales. The Sudbury Game & Fish Protective Association took home the honour, having sold 1,076 books of tickets. Esko Kalviainen accepted the award on the club’s behalf, dedicating it to Roger Goudreau, a major ticket seller who passed away in December 2012. This is the ninth time the club has won the award since it began 34 years ago.

“When we see or experience first-hand the many conservation projects that have benefitted from the commitment of all who are involved, we can only feel a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction,” said Bill Blackwell, OFAH President. “The OFAH Conservation Lottery plays a significant role in the future well being of Ontario’s fish and wildlife, and the sale of each and every ticket contributes greatly to the cause.”

In all, more than 387,000 tickets were sold at a cost of $2 each. Funds generated through the OFAH Conservation Lotteries are used to support conservation programming. The 39^th OFAH Conservation Lottery is currently running, with nearly $300,000 worth of prizes to be won, including new vehicles, boats and motors and much more. The next early bird draw is April 12, 2013 and the main draw is May 31, 2013.

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is Ontario’s largest, nonprofit, fish and wildlife conservation-based organization, representing 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 710 member clubs. To learn more, visit www.ofah.org. Like the OFAH on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. 

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