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!
Total Pet
Early this year we received an email from Erin at Vernon’s Total Pet store. She wanted to know if we would like to be their charity of choice for the stores annual charity fundraiser. Little did we know when we agreed to partner up with them, that they would produce...
Farewell to an Extraordinary Friend
It's with great sadness that we share that our beloved Juanita Valentine passed away on May 28, 2018. While many of you may not know this dear lady, so many did...and she leaves a void in our hearts and our organization that is impossible to fill. Juanita has been...
What’s Swedish for “Thank You”?!
For years, PADS trainers and volunteers alike have headed to Ikea Coquitlam—just up the road from PADS Burnaby Campus—for field trips, socialization and of course delicious Swedish treats and furniture. But recently they spotted something new in store: Lurvig! This...
Hiring “Canada Summer Jobs” Student!
PADS is hiring a part time summer student to work as a digital media content producer. Apply Now!
Vancouver Whitecaps Fundraiser
PADS Supporters can save off regular price Vancouver Whitecaps tickets and $7 per ticket sold comes back to PADS to support our programs. Ticket quantities at these prices are limited so don’t wait. Purchase your Vancouver Whitecaps tickets today! Vancouver Whitecaps...
Armstrong Co-op
It takes a village! In partnership with the Armstrong Regional Cooperative gas bars today PADS Okanagan received their Patronage Equity Payment. Stopping by the Vernon Gas Bar today were PADS Client Sarah Lapp & PADS Assistance Dog Rico, local radio personality...
2017 Newsletter
PTSD Program Initiative
Serving Those That Served Us PADS PTSD ProgramPost Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. According to the Canadian Psychological Association, 9.2% of Canadians live...
PTSD Program Initiative Launch
PADS is excited to soon be launching our first new program in 8 years: Dogs for Veterans and First Responders with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).The initial seed money for the program came through a grant from the Alberta Government to support the Veterans and...
30 Stories for 30 Years – Mike
PADS is a family that comes together and accomplishes a common goal, to help people in our community that can benefit from an assistance companion. They are not “just dogs”. Each companion we raise is as unique as each person you know, they communicate differently, they show affection differently, they express sadness differently, but they love unconditionally!
Volunteers of the year
Total Pet
Early this year we received an email from Erin at Vernon’s Total Pet store. She wanted to know if we would like to be their charity of choice for the stores annual charity fundraiser. Little did we know when we agreed to partner up with them, that they would produce...
Farewell to an Extraordinary Friend
It's with great sadness that we share that our beloved Juanita Valentine passed away on May 28, 2018. While many of you may not know this dear lady, so many did...and she leaves a void in our hearts and our organization that is impossible to fill. Juanita has been...
What’s Swedish for “Thank You”?!
For years, PADS trainers and volunteers alike have headed to Ikea Coquitlam—just up the road from PADS Burnaby Campus—for field trips, socialization and of course delicious Swedish treats and furniture. But recently they spotted something new in store: Lurvig! This...
Hiring “Canada Summer Jobs” Student!
PADS is hiring a part time summer student to work as a digital media content producer. Apply Now!
Vancouver Whitecaps Fundraiser
PADS Supporters can save off regular price Vancouver Whitecaps tickets and $7 per ticket sold comes back to PADS to support our programs. Ticket quantities at these prices are limited so don’t wait. Purchase your Vancouver Whitecaps tickets today! Vancouver Whitecaps...
Armstrong Co-op
It takes a village! In partnership with the Armstrong Regional Cooperative gas bars today PADS Okanagan received their Patronage Equity Payment. Stopping by the Vernon Gas Bar today were PADS Client Sarah Lapp & PADS Assistance Dog Rico, local radio personality...
2017 Newsletter
PTSD Program Initiative
Serving Those That Served Us PADS PTSD ProgramPost Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. According to the Canadian Psychological Association, 9.2% of Canadians live...
PTSD Program Initiative Launch
PADS is excited to soon be launching our first new program in 8 years: Dogs for Veterans and First Responders with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).The initial seed money for the program came through a grant from the Alberta Government to support the Veterans and...
30 Stories for 30 Years – Mike
PADS is a family that comes together and accomplishes a common goal, to help people in our community that can benefit from an assistance companion. They are not “just dogs”. Each companion we raise is as unique as each person you know, they communicate differently, they show affection differently, they express sadness differently, but they love unconditionally!
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).
Total Pet
Early this year we received an email from Erin at Vernon’s Total Pet store. She wanted to know if we would like to be their charity of choice for the stores annual charity fundraiser. Little did we know when we agreed to partner up with them, that they would produce...
Farewell to an Extraordinary Friend
It's with great sadness that we share that our beloved Juanita Valentine passed away on May 28, 2018. While many of you may not know this dear lady, so many did...and she leaves a void in our hearts and our organization that is impossible to fill. Juanita has been...
What’s Swedish for “Thank You”?!
For years, PADS trainers and volunteers alike have headed to Ikea Coquitlam—just up the road from PADS Burnaby Campus—for field trips, socialization and of course delicious Swedish treats and furniture. But recently they spotted something new in store: Lurvig! This...
Hiring “Canada Summer Jobs” Student!
PADS is hiring a part time summer student to work as a digital media content producer. Apply Now!
Vancouver Whitecaps Fundraiser
PADS Supporters can save off regular price Vancouver Whitecaps tickets and $7 per ticket sold comes back to PADS to support our programs. Ticket quantities at these prices are limited so don’t wait. Purchase your Vancouver Whitecaps tickets today! Vancouver Whitecaps...
Armstrong Co-op
It takes a village! In partnership with the Armstrong Regional Cooperative gas bars today PADS Okanagan received their Patronage Equity Payment. Stopping by the Vernon Gas Bar today were PADS Client Sarah Lapp & PADS Assistance Dog Rico, local radio personality...
2017 Newsletter
PTSD Program Initiative
Serving Those That Served Us PADS PTSD ProgramPost Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. According to the Canadian Psychological Association, 9.2% of Canadians live...
PTSD Program Initiative Launch
PADS is excited to soon be launching our first new program in 8 years: Dogs for Veterans and First Responders with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).The initial seed money for the program came through a grant from the Alberta Government to support the Veterans and...
30 Stories for 30 Years – Mike
PADS is a family that comes together and accomplishes a common goal, to help people in our community that can benefit from an assistance companion. They are not “just dogs”. Each companion we raise is as unique as each person you know, they communicate differently, they show affection differently, they express sadness differently, but they love unconditionally!
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.
Total Pet
Early this year we received an email from Erin at Vernon’s Total Pet store. She wanted to know if we would like to be their charity of choice for the stores annual charity fundraiser. Little did we know when we agreed to partner up with them, that they would produce...
Farewell to an Extraordinary Friend
It's with great sadness that we share that our beloved Juanita Valentine passed away on May 28, 2018. While many of you may not know this dear lady, so many did...and she leaves a void in our hearts and our organization that is impossible to fill. Juanita has been...
What’s Swedish for “Thank You”?!
For years, PADS trainers and volunteers alike have headed to Ikea Coquitlam—just up the road from PADS Burnaby Campus—for field trips, socialization and of course delicious Swedish treats and furniture. But recently they spotted something new in store: Lurvig! This...
Hiring “Canada Summer Jobs” Student!
PADS is hiring a part time summer student to work as a digital media content producer. Apply Now!
Vancouver Whitecaps Fundraiser
PADS Supporters can save off regular price Vancouver Whitecaps tickets and $7 per ticket sold comes back to PADS to support our programs. Ticket quantities at these prices are limited so don’t wait. Purchase your Vancouver Whitecaps tickets today! Vancouver Whitecaps...
Armstrong Co-op
It takes a village! In partnership with the Armstrong Regional Cooperative gas bars today PADS Okanagan received their Patronage Equity Payment. Stopping by the Vernon Gas Bar today were PADS Client Sarah Lapp & PADS Assistance Dog Rico, local radio personality...
2017 Newsletter
PTSD Program Initiative
Serving Those That Served Us PADS PTSD ProgramPost Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. According to the Canadian Psychological Association, 9.2% of Canadians live...
PTSD Program Initiative Launch
PADS is excited to soon be launching our first new program in 8 years: Dogs for Veterans and First Responders with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).The initial seed money for the program came through a grant from the Alberta Government to support the Veterans and...
30 Stories for 30 Years – Mike
PADS is a family that comes together and accomplishes a common goal, to help people in our community that can benefit from an assistance companion. They are not “just dogs”. Each companion we raise is as unique as each person you know, they communicate differently, they show affection differently, they express sadness differently, but they love unconditionally!
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.
Total Pet
Early this year we received an email from Erin at Vernon’s Total Pet store. She wanted to know if we would like to be their charity of choice for the stores annual charity fundraiser. Little did we know when we agreed to partner up with them, that they would produce...
Farewell to an Extraordinary Friend
It's with great sadness that we share that our beloved Juanita Valentine passed away on May 28, 2018. While many of you may not know this dear lady, so many did...and she leaves a void in our hearts and our organization that is impossible to fill. Juanita has been...
What’s Swedish for “Thank You”?!
For years, PADS trainers and volunteers alike have headed to Ikea Coquitlam—just up the road from PADS Burnaby Campus—for field trips, socialization and of course delicious Swedish treats and furniture. But recently they spotted something new in store: Lurvig! This...
Hiring “Canada Summer Jobs” Student!
PADS is hiring a part time summer student to work as a digital media content producer. Apply Now!
Vancouver Whitecaps Fundraiser
PADS Supporters can save off regular price Vancouver Whitecaps tickets and $7 per ticket sold comes back to PADS to support our programs. Ticket quantities at these prices are limited so don’t wait. Purchase your Vancouver Whitecaps tickets today! Vancouver Whitecaps...
Armstrong Co-op
It takes a village! In partnership with the Armstrong Regional Cooperative gas bars today PADS Okanagan received their Patronage Equity Payment. Stopping by the Vernon Gas Bar today were PADS Client Sarah Lapp & PADS Assistance Dog Rico, local radio personality...
2017 Newsletter
PTSD Program Initiative
Serving Those That Served Us PADS PTSD ProgramPost Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. According to the Canadian Psychological Association, 9.2% of Canadians live...
PTSD Program Initiative Launch
PADS is excited to soon be launching our first new program in 8 years: Dogs for Veterans and First Responders with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).The initial seed money for the program came through a grant from the Alberta Government to support the Veterans and...
30 Stories for 30 Years – Mike
PADS is a family that comes together and accomplishes a common goal, to help people in our community that can benefit from an assistance companion. They are not “just dogs”. Each companion we raise is as unique as each person you know, they communicate differently, they show affection differently, they express sadness differently, but they love unconditionally!