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!
PADS AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 2024
PADS 2022 Financial Statements were audited by Crowe Mackay LLP
Delta Optimist: Delta assistance dogs lighten the mood at Invictus Games
At Invictus Games 2025, assistance dogs from Delta supported veterans. These professionally trained dogs helped alleviate stress and ease the psychological challenges faced by participants.
Peace Arch News: Surrey clinic marks 10 years supporting victims of violence
The Embrace Clinic in Surrey has provided medical care to over 5,000 survivors of violence since its opening in January 2015. Located in the Shirley Dean Pavilion, the clinic offers services including injury treatment, infection screening, and referrals to community resources.
CBC RADIO: Yukon Morning with Elyn Jones | February 21, 2025
Elyn Jones reports on Ali Harper and her dog Thorin at Invictus Games 2025. They provided support to the competing athletes and their families.
ADOPTION PENDING: Dolce
Dolce is a sensitive cuddle bug with lots of energy and love to share
YUKON NEWS: Dog offering support to athletes at Invictus Games
Yukon News report on PADS dog Thorin and his handler Ali Harper providing support to veterans competing at Invictus Games 2025.
BIV’s 2025 Influential Women in Business awards: Kristy James
Kristy James is the current vice-chair for Pacific Assistance Dogs Society. She emphasizes authentic leadership and work-life balance, aiming to make a lasting impact both professionally and personally.
Maple Ridge News: PADS Dogs at Invictus
A Maple Ridge-trained PADS assistance dog Loki provided comfort and support at the Invictus Games. Loki played an important role in creating a calming environment for competitors with mental and physical challenges.
People – Prince Harry meeting PADS dog at Invictus 2025
During the Invictus Games on February 9, 2025, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met Thorin, a therapy dog supporting first responders. This interaction reminded Prince Harry of his late rescue beagle, Guy, who recently passed away.
Invictus Games 2025 Appreciation Post
At the Invictus Games 2025 (#IG25), service dogs play an important role in supporting the community. These dogs are present to help offer comfort and companionship to participants. Their presence helps to foster well-being within the Invictus Community.
Volunteers of the year
PADS AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 2024
PADS 2022 Financial Statements were audited by Crowe Mackay LLP
Delta Optimist: Delta assistance dogs lighten the mood at Invictus Games
At Invictus Games 2025, assistance dogs from Delta supported veterans. These professionally trained dogs helped alleviate stress and ease the psychological challenges faced by participants.
Peace Arch News: Surrey clinic marks 10 years supporting victims of violence
The Embrace Clinic in Surrey has provided medical care to over 5,000 survivors of violence since its opening in January 2015. Located in the Shirley Dean Pavilion, the clinic offers services including injury treatment, infection screening, and referrals to community resources.
CBC RADIO: Yukon Morning with Elyn Jones | February 21, 2025
Elyn Jones reports on Ali Harper and her dog Thorin at Invictus Games 2025. They provided support to the competing athletes and their families.
ADOPTION PENDING: Dolce
Dolce is a sensitive cuddle bug with lots of energy and love to share
YUKON NEWS: Dog offering support to athletes at Invictus Games
Yukon News report on PADS dog Thorin and his handler Ali Harper providing support to veterans competing at Invictus Games 2025.
BIV’s 2025 Influential Women in Business awards: Kristy James
Kristy James is the current vice-chair for Pacific Assistance Dogs Society. She emphasizes authentic leadership and work-life balance, aiming to make a lasting impact both professionally and personally.
Maple Ridge News: PADS Dogs at Invictus
A Maple Ridge-trained PADS assistance dog Loki provided comfort and support at the Invictus Games. Loki played an important role in creating a calming environment for competitors with mental and physical challenges.
People – Prince Harry meeting PADS dog at Invictus 2025
During the Invictus Games on February 9, 2025, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met Thorin, a therapy dog supporting first responders. This interaction reminded Prince Harry of his late rescue beagle, Guy, who recently passed away.
Invictus Games 2025 Appreciation Post
At the Invictus Games 2025 (#IG25), service dogs play an important role in supporting the community. These dogs are present to help offer comfort and companionship to participants. Their presence helps to foster well-being within the Invictus Community.
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).
PADS AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 2024
PADS 2022 Financial Statements were audited by Crowe Mackay LLP
Delta Optimist: Delta assistance dogs lighten the mood at Invictus Games
At Invictus Games 2025, assistance dogs from Delta supported veterans. These professionally trained dogs helped alleviate stress and ease the psychological challenges faced by participants.
Peace Arch News: Surrey clinic marks 10 years supporting victims of violence
The Embrace Clinic in Surrey has provided medical care to over 5,000 survivors of violence since its opening in January 2015. Located in the Shirley Dean Pavilion, the clinic offers services including injury treatment, infection screening, and referrals to community resources.
CBC RADIO: Yukon Morning with Elyn Jones | February 21, 2025
Elyn Jones reports on Ali Harper and her dog Thorin at Invictus Games 2025. They provided support to the competing athletes and their families.
ADOPTION PENDING: Dolce
Dolce is a sensitive cuddle bug with lots of energy and love to share
YUKON NEWS: Dog offering support to athletes at Invictus Games
Yukon News report on PADS dog Thorin and his handler Ali Harper providing support to veterans competing at Invictus Games 2025.
BIV’s 2025 Influential Women in Business awards: Kristy James
Kristy James is the current vice-chair for Pacific Assistance Dogs Society. She emphasizes authentic leadership and work-life balance, aiming to make a lasting impact both professionally and personally.
Maple Ridge News: PADS Dogs at Invictus
A Maple Ridge-trained PADS assistance dog Loki provided comfort and support at the Invictus Games. Loki played an important role in creating a calming environment for competitors with mental and physical challenges.
People – Prince Harry meeting PADS dog at Invictus 2025
During the Invictus Games on February 9, 2025, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met Thorin, a therapy dog supporting first responders. This interaction reminded Prince Harry of his late rescue beagle, Guy, who recently passed away.
Invictus Games 2025 Appreciation Post
At the Invictus Games 2025 (#IG25), service dogs play an important role in supporting the community. These dogs are present to help offer comfort and companionship to participants. Their presence helps to foster well-being within the Invictus Community.
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.
PADS AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 2024
PADS 2022 Financial Statements were audited by Crowe Mackay LLP
Delta Optimist: Delta assistance dogs lighten the mood at Invictus Games
At Invictus Games 2025, assistance dogs from Delta supported veterans. These professionally trained dogs helped alleviate stress and ease the psychological challenges faced by participants.
Peace Arch News: Surrey clinic marks 10 years supporting victims of violence
The Embrace Clinic in Surrey has provided medical care to over 5,000 survivors of violence since its opening in January 2015. Located in the Shirley Dean Pavilion, the clinic offers services including injury treatment, infection screening, and referrals to community resources.
CBC RADIO: Yukon Morning with Elyn Jones | February 21, 2025
Elyn Jones reports on Ali Harper and her dog Thorin at Invictus Games 2025. They provided support to the competing athletes and their families.
ADOPTION PENDING: Dolce
Dolce is a sensitive cuddle bug with lots of energy and love to share
YUKON NEWS: Dog offering support to athletes at Invictus Games
Yukon News report on PADS dog Thorin and his handler Ali Harper providing support to veterans competing at Invictus Games 2025.
BIV’s 2025 Influential Women in Business awards: Kristy James
Kristy James is the current vice-chair for Pacific Assistance Dogs Society. She emphasizes authentic leadership and work-life balance, aiming to make a lasting impact both professionally and personally.
Maple Ridge News: PADS Dogs at Invictus
A Maple Ridge-trained PADS assistance dog Loki provided comfort and support at the Invictus Games. Loki played an important role in creating a calming environment for competitors with mental and physical challenges.
People – Prince Harry meeting PADS dog at Invictus 2025
During the Invictus Games on February 9, 2025, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met Thorin, a therapy dog supporting first responders. This interaction reminded Prince Harry of his late rescue beagle, Guy, who recently passed away.
Invictus Games 2025 Appreciation Post
At the Invictus Games 2025 (#IG25), service dogs play an important role in supporting the community. These dogs are present to help offer comfort and companionship to participants. Their presence helps to foster well-being within the Invictus Community.
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.
PADS AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 2024
PADS 2022 Financial Statements were audited by Crowe Mackay LLP
Delta Optimist: Delta assistance dogs lighten the mood at Invictus Games
At Invictus Games 2025, assistance dogs from Delta supported veterans. These professionally trained dogs helped alleviate stress and ease the psychological challenges faced by participants.
Peace Arch News: Surrey clinic marks 10 years supporting victims of violence
The Embrace Clinic in Surrey has provided medical care to over 5,000 survivors of violence since its opening in January 2015. Located in the Shirley Dean Pavilion, the clinic offers services including injury treatment, infection screening, and referrals to community resources.
CBC RADIO: Yukon Morning with Elyn Jones | February 21, 2025
Elyn Jones reports on Ali Harper and her dog Thorin at Invictus Games 2025. They provided support to the competing athletes and their families.
ADOPTION PENDING: Dolce
Dolce is a sensitive cuddle bug with lots of energy and love to share
YUKON NEWS: Dog offering support to athletes at Invictus Games
Yukon News report on PADS dog Thorin and his handler Ali Harper providing support to veterans competing at Invictus Games 2025.
BIV’s 2025 Influential Women in Business awards: Kristy James
Kristy James is the current vice-chair for Pacific Assistance Dogs Society. She emphasizes authentic leadership and work-life balance, aiming to make a lasting impact both professionally and personally.
Maple Ridge News: PADS Dogs at Invictus
A Maple Ridge-trained PADS assistance dog Loki provided comfort and support at the Invictus Games. Loki played an important role in creating a calming environment for competitors with mental and physical challenges.
People – Prince Harry meeting PADS dog at Invictus 2025
During the Invictus Games on February 9, 2025, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met Thorin, a therapy dog supporting first responders. This interaction reminded Prince Harry of his late rescue beagle, Guy, who recently passed away.
Invictus Games 2025 Appreciation Post
At the Invictus Games 2025 (#IG25), service dogs play an important role in supporting the community. These dogs are present to help offer comfort and companionship to participants. Their presence helps to foster well-being within the Invictus Community.