Each year at PADS we gather to celebrate our people and our community. We truly appreciate the sacrifice AND gifts that come from leading a life of service. The sacrifice comes by way of time, energy and resources and generally speaking, it can take you away from things that one sometimes might rather be doing. But our hope for each of our volunteers is that the gifts far outweigh the sacrifice. You tend to say that you love PADS, you love our community, you love the dogs, you love learning and you love being part of such an extraordinary mission.
This page is a collection of the Volunteer Award Winners from 2019 onwards. Please join us in celebrating their accomplishments!
Covid Heroes
The 2020 -2021 year has been an undeniably challenging one – for all of us at PADS. It also has meant that new volunteer roles had to be developed on the fly to support new ways of doing business – many of these individuals took on increased workloads related to COVID-19 and some provided specialized expertise or skills that we’ve never needed before. To each of them we are grateful!
CTV: ‘Our program is hurting’: Charity urgently needs volunteers to raise puppies in B.C.
Outlet: CTV VancouverDate: August 13, 2023Author: St. John Alexander
Burnaby Now: ‘Critical’: Volunteer shortage threatens supply of assistance dogs
Outlet: Burnaby NowDate: Aug 10, 2023 6:30 PMAuthor: Abhinaya Natesh
THANK YOU SOUTH BURNABY LEGION #83
We would like to thank the Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion Branch #83 for their generous donation of $2,500 from their Poppy Fund. Our Director of Communications, Tara Doherty, with PADS Cadence, visited the Burnaby Legion on BC Day, Sunday, August 6, 2023 during their...
Volunteer Canada
CALLING ALL CANADIANS Together we can enrich the lives of our fellow Canadians through our incredible assistance dogs! From coast to coast, assistance dog schools are calling out the need for more volunteers to help raise puppies as the demand for certified assistance...
THANK YOU SICAMOUS LEGION #99
We would like to thank the Sicamous Royal Canadian Legion Branch #99 for their generous donation of $10,000 from their Poppy Campaign. Our Executive Director Laura Watamanuk, with PADS Mudge, visited the Sicamous Legion Headquarters on Sunday, June 18, 2023 to receive...
Deb & Vespa
MEET OUR MOVERS: Deb and Vespa Why they are Moving for PADS I found accepting my CPTSD diagnosis difficult and continued to take on every task I could to overload myself in lieu of dealing with matters. It wasn’t until I was forced into medical retirement that I found...
Jerry & Empress
PADS Empress walks through life at Jerry’s side, ensuring that she is always there when he needs her. Matched in May of 2022, Jerry shares: “Empress has impacted my life in a tremendously positive manner. Being with me 24/7, she ensures that any onset triggers are identified and dealt with before…
In Memory of Neil Mclean
In Loving Memory of Neil McleanThe PADS village lost an incredible member this past spring when Neil McLean lost his battle with cancer. The McLeans have done so many things for PADS over the years, and it comes as no surprise that this amazing family would honour...
Meet The Mario Kart Litter
Join us on Tuesday, June 6 at 1:00 PM PDT for Tune-In-Tuesday featuring one of our newest litter of puppies, the Mario Kart Litter!
THANK YOU COQUITLAM LEGION #263
We would like to thank the Coquitlam Royal Canadian Legion Branch #263 for their generous donation of $20,000 from their 2022 fall Poppy Campaign. Our Executive Director Laura Watamanuk, with PADS Mudge, visited the Coquitlam Legion Headquarters on Friday, May 26,...
Volunteers of the year
CTV: ‘Our program is hurting’: Charity urgently needs volunteers to raise puppies in B.C.
Outlet: CTV VancouverDate: August 13, 2023Author: St. John Alexander
Burnaby Now: ‘Critical’: Volunteer shortage threatens supply of assistance dogs
Outlet: Burnaby NowDate: Aug 10, 2023 6:30 PMAuthor: Abhinaya Natesh
THANK YOU SOUTH BURNABY LEGION #83
We would like to thank the Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion Branch #83 for their generous donation of $2,500 from their Poppy Fund. Our Director of Communications, Tara Doherty, with PADS Cadence, visited the Burnaby Legion on BC Day, Sunday, August 6, 2023 during their...
Volunteer Canada
CALLING ALL CANADIANS Together we can enrich the lives of our fellow Canadians through our incredible assistance dogs! From coast to coast, assistance dog schools are calling out the need for more volunteers to help raise puppies as the demand for certified assistance...
THANK YOU SICAMOUS LEGION #99
We would like to thank the Sicamous Royal Canadian Legion Branch #99 for their generous donation of $10,000 from their Poppy Campaign. Our Executive Director Laura Watamanuk, with PADS Mudge, visited the Sicamous Legion Headquarters on Sunday, June 18, 2023 to receive...
Deb & Vespa
MEET OUR MOVERS: Deb and Vespa Why they are Moving for PADS I found accepting my CPTSD diagnosis difficult and continued to take on every task I could to overload myself in lieu of dealing with matters. It wasn’t until I was forced into medical retirement that I found...
Jerry & Empress
PADS Empress walks through life at Jerry’s side, ensuring that she is always there when he needs her. Matched in May of 2022, Jerry shares: “Empress has impacted my life in a tremendously positive manner. Being with me 24/7, she ensures that any onset triggers are identified and dealt with before…
In Memory of Neil Mclean
In Loving Memory of Neil McleanThe PADS village lost an incredible member this past spring when Neil McLean lost his battle with cancer. The McLeans have done so many things for PADS over the years, and it comes as no surprise that this amazing family would honour...
Meet The Mario Kart Litter
Join us on Tuesday, June 6 at 1:00 PM PDT for Tune-In-Tuesday featuring one of our newest litter of puppies, the Mario Kart Litter!
THANK YOU COQUITLAM LEGION #263
We would like to thank the Coquitlam Royal Canadian Legion Branch #263 for their generous donation of $20,000 from their 2022 fall Poppy Campaign. Our Executive Director Laura Watamanuk, with PADS Mudge, visited the Coquitlam Legion Headquarters on Friday, May 26,...
Spirit of PADS award
This award is awarded to volunteers that demonstrate extraordinary commitment to PADS and our community in their efforts to support PADS’ mission and vision and is awarded each year to one or more volunteers (or household).
CTV: ‘Our program is hurting’: Charity urgently needs volunteers to raise puppies in B.C.
Outlet: CTV VancouverDate: August 13, 2023Author: St. John Alexander
Burnaby Now: ‘Critical’: Volunteer shortage threatens supply of assistance dogs
Outlet: Burnaby NowDate: Aug 10, 2023 6:30 PMAuthor: Abhinaya Natesh
THANK YOU SOUTH BURNABY LEGION #83
We would like to thank the Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion Branch #83 for their generous donation of $2,500 from their Poppy Fund. Our Director of Communications, Tara Doherty, with PADS Cadence, visited the Burnaby Legion on BC Day, Sunday, August 6, 2023 during their...
Volunteer Canada
CALLING ALL CANADIANS Together we can enrich the lives of our fellow Canadians through our incredible assistance dogs! From coast to coast, assistance dog schools are calling out the need for more volunteers to help raise puppies as the demand for certified assistance...
THANK YOU SICAMOUS LEGION #99
We would like to thank the Sicamous Royal Canadian Legion Branch #99 for their generous donation of $10,000 from their Poppy Campaign. Our Executive Director Laura Watamanuk, with PADS Mudge, visited the Sicamous Legion Headquarters on Sunday, June 18, 2023 to receive...
Deb & Vespa
MEET OUR MOVERS: Deb and Vespa Why they are Moving for PADS I found accepting my CPTSD diagnosis difficult and continued to take on every task I could to overload myself in lieu of dealing with matters. It wasn’t until I was forced into medical retirement that I found...
Jerry & Empress
PADS Empress walks through life at Jerry’s side, ensuring that she is always there when he needs her. Matched in May of 2022, Jerry shares: “Empress has impacted my life in a tremendously positive manner. Being with me 24/7, she ensures that any onset triggers are identified and dealt with before…
In Memory of Neil Mclean
In Loving Memory of Neil McleanThe PADS village lost an incredible member this past spring when Neil McLean lost his battle with cancer. The McLeans have done so many things for PADS over the years, and it comes as no surprise that this amazing family would honour...
Meet The Mario Kart Litter
Join us on Tuesday, June 6 at 1:00 PM PDT for Tune-In-Tuesday featuring one of our newest litter of puppies, the Mario Kart Litter!
THANK YOU COQUITLAM LEGION #263
We would like to thank the Coquitlam Royal Canadian Legion Branch #263 for their generous donation of $20,000 from their 2022 fall Poppy Campaign. Our Executive Director Laura Watamanuk, with PADS Mudge, visited the Coquitlam Legion Headquarters on Friday, May 26,...
Verne Trevoy award
Verne Trevoy was a Calgary volunteer, a PADS client, and an extraordinary gentleman. With his partner, PADS Service Dog Charlie, at his side, was the heart and soul of the Calgary program. Verne was single handedly responsible for recruiting countless volunteers, donors and even staff to our cause with his gentle, yet passionate, dedication.
This award is presented to a Calgary volunteer (or household) when there is a recipient who exemplifies Verne’s passion and dedication.
CTV: ‘Our program is hurting’: Charity urgently needs volunteers to raise puppies in B.C.
Outlet: CTV VancouverDate: August 13, 2023Author: St. John Alexander
Burnaby Now: ‘Critical’: Volunteer shortage threatens supply of assistance dogs
Outlet: Burnaby NowDate: Aug 10, 2023 6:30 PMAuthor: Abhinaya Natesh
THANK YOU SOUTH BURNABY LEGION #83
We would like to thank the Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion Branch #83 for their generous donation of $2,500 from their Poppy Fund. Our Director of Communications, Tara Doherty, with PADS Cadence, visited the Burnaby Legion on BC Day, Sunday, August 6, 2023 during their...
Volunteer Canada
CALLING ALL CANADIANS Together we can enrich the lives of our fellow Canadians through our incredible assistance dogs! From coast to coast, assistance dog schools are calling out the need for more volunteers to help raise puppies as the demand for certified assistance...
THANK YOU SICAMOUS LEGION #99
We would like to thank the Sicamous Royal Canadian Legion Branch #99 for their generous donation of $10,000 from their Poppy Campaign. Our Executive Director Laura Watamanuk, with PADS Mudge, visited the Sicamous Legion Headquarters on Sunday, June 18, 2023 to receive...
Deb & Vespa
MEET OUR MOVERS: Deb and Vespa Why they are Moving for PADS I found accepting my CPTSD diagnosis difficult and continued to take on every task I could to overload myself in lieu of dealing with matters. It wasn’t until I was forced into medical retirement that I found...
Jerry & Empress
PADS Empress walks through life at Jerry’s side, ensuring that she is always there when he needs her. Matched in May of 2022, Jerry shares: “Empress has impacted my life in a tremendously positive manner. Being with me 24/7, she ensures that any onset triggers are identified and dealt with before…
In Memory of Neil Mclean
In Loving Memory of Neil McleanThe PADS village lost an incredible member this past spring when Neil McLean lost his battle with cancer. The McLeans have done so many things for PADS over the years, and it comes as no surprise that this amazing family would honour...
Meet The Mario Kart Litter
Join us on Tuesday, June 6 at 1:00 PM PDT for Tune-In-Tuesday featuring one of our newest litter of puppies, the Mario Kart Litter!
THANK YOU COQUITLAM LEGION #263
We would like to thank the Coquitlam Royal Canadian Legion Branch #263 for their generous donation of $20,000 from their 2022 fall Poppy Campaign. Our Executive Director Laura Watamanuk, with PADS Mudge, visited the Coquitlam Legion Headquarters on Friday, May 26,...
Juanita Valentine award
The Juanita Valentine Award is named for this fiesty lady that spent a lifetime supporting PADS with ferocious tenacity, perseverance, and love. This award is now presented only when there is a recipient that reflects her remarkable spirit and commitment. May be presented to any volunteer (or household) in British Columbia.
CTV: ‘Our program is hurting’: Charity urgently needs volunteers to raise puppies in B.C.
Outlet: CTV VancouverDate: August 13, 2023Author: St. John Alexander
Burnaby Now: ‘Critical’: Volunteer shortage threatens supply of assistance dogs
Outlet: Burnaby NowDate: Aug 10, 2023 6:30 PMAuthor: Abhinaya Natesh
THANK YOU SOUTH BURNABY LEGION #83
We would like to thank the Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion Branch #83 for their generous donation of $2,500 from their Poppy Fund. Our Director of Communications, Tara Doherty, with PADS Cadence, visited the Burnaby Legion on BC Day, Sunday, August 6, 2023 during their...
Volunteer Canada
CALLING ALL CANADIANS Together we can enrich the lives of our fellow Canadians through our incredible assistance dogs! From coast to coast, assistance dog schools are calling out the need for more volunteers to help raise puppies as the demand for certified assistance...
THANK YOU SICAMOUS LEGION #99
We would like to thank the Sicamous Royal Canadian Legion Branch #99 for their generous donation of $10,000 from their Poppy Campaign. Our Executive Director Laura Watamanuk, with PADS Mudge, visited the Sicamous Legion Headquarters on Sunday, June 18, 2023 to receive...
Deb & Vespa
MEET OUR MOVERS: Deb and Vespa Why they are Moving for PADS I found accepting my CPTSD diagnosis difficult and continued to take on every task I could to overload myself in lieu of dealing with matters. It wasn’t until I was forced into medical retirement that I found...
Jerry & Empress
PADS Empress walks through life at Jerry’s side, ensuring that she is always there when he needs her. Matched in May of 2022, Jerry shares: “Empress has impacted my life in a tremendously positive manner. Being with me 24/7, she ensures that any onset triggers are identified and dealt with before…
In Memory of Neil Mclean
In Loving Memory of Neil McleanThe PADS village lost an incredible member this past spring when Neil McLean lost his battle with cancer. The McLeans have done so many things for PADS over the years, and it comes as no surprise that this amazing family would honour...
Meet The Mario Kart Litter
Join us on Tuesday, June 6 at 1:00 PM PDT for Tune-In-Tuesday featuring one of our newest litter of puppies, the Mario Kart Litter!
THANK YOU COQUITLAM LEGION #263
We would like to thank the Coquitlam Royal Canadian Legion Branch #263 for their generous donation of $20,000 from their 2022 fall Poppy Campaign. Our Executive Director Laura Watamanuk, with PADS Mudge, visited the Coquitlam Legion Headquarters on Friday, May 26,...