Praise for PAWS
Christmas came early last month for PAWS founder and Executive Director Lynne Robinson. Throughout the month of December, staff members from the Delaware Office of Volunteerism worked with nominators to surprise honorees with the news of their selection for the 2021 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award. A “SurPRIZE Patrol” delivered a custom cake and certificate to Robinson early in December at the PAWS office. The names of all recipients were announced during a Facebook Live presentation on Dec. 23.
“I salute these worthy recipients and all those who volunteered their time and energy this year to help improve the health and well-being of their neighbors in need,” said Gov. John Carney. “The coronavirus pandemic has brought special challenges for many of our residents in 2021, which is why I am doubly grateful for the generosity and selfless commitment of these volunteers.”
The governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards, administered by the Office of Volunteerism, honors the contributions of individuals and groups in Delaware that have made a positive impact in their communities or across the state through service and volunteering. Forty-eight individuals and 13 groups will be honored during a virtual ceremony on February 24, 2022.
“I am immensely pleased and honored to receive the award this year because it demonstrates a newfound respect for the power and impact of pet therapy,” said Robinson. “My hope is that going forward, this recognition will help build awareness of and appreciation for the services PAWS provides across the state and the region.”
PAWS for People is a nonprofit organization committed to providing hope, encouragement, and comfort to people in need through interaction with a gentle, affectionate pet. PAWS trains and certifies caring people and their well-trained pets to interact with community members of all ages throughout Delaware and the surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland.
