Wayne Chiles (left) is awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his efforts to assist disaster survivors. Photo contributed
Wayne Chiles was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his efforts in 2015 to assist disaster survivors. Chiles is a Burke area volunteer with ShelterBox USA.
When disasters like Cyclone Winston in Fiji and the Syrian refugee crisis strike, many want to help. Chiles took action for ShelterBox, an international disaster relief organization that delivers emergency tented shelter and other lifesaving supplies to survivors of disasters and other humanitarian crises.
Through Chiles’ efforts of raising awareness and funds for ShelterBox, the organization was able to respond to more than 19 disasters last year, providing families with disaster relief tents, cook stoves, water filters, blankets, mosquito nets, children’s packs and other essential equipment. In one of the more busy years in ShelterBox history, ShelterBox has sent aid to support more than 30,000 families.
“I am incredibly honored to work alongside our volunteers, including Wayne,” said Kerri Murray, ShelterBox USA president. “It is through their continuous efforts that we are able to bring shelter, warmth and dignity to so many families displaced by disaster around the globe.”
The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a special recognition presented on behalf of President Barack Obama. The award is part of a national recognition program created in 2003 through the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation for individuals of all ages who contribute a significant amount of time to volunteer activities.