Bill ’59 and Dennie Dyer have been recognized by President Obama and ShelterBox USA with a Presidential Volunteer Service Award for their efforts during 2011 to provide shelter, warmth and dignity for survivors of natural and other disasters worldwide.
In the aftermath of disasters such as the Japan earthquake and tsunami last March, the Dyer’s knew ShelterBox, an international disaster relief charity, would be on the scene. Through the Dyer’s efforts of raising awareness and funds for ShelterBox, the organization was able to provide more than 17,600 ShelterBoxes, containing a disaster relief tent for an extended family, stove, blankets and water filtration system, among other tools for survival to families throughout the world in 2011.
“I am truly proud to honor our volunteers, who work hard year-round to support ShelterBox and our efforts to help families rebuild their lives across the globe,” said Emily Sperling, ShelterBox USA President. “It’s because of the continuous efforts of our volunteers such as Bill and Dennie that we are able to help so many vulnerable families each year.”
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.
Since 2000, ShelterBox has provided shelter, warmth and dignity following more than 170 disasters in 80 countries for earthquake, volcano, flood, hurricane, cyclone, tsunami or conflict victims, by delivering the aid boxes.
