Lending Paws a Hand has fetched a spot as a finalist for the 2025 Defender Service Awards, which recognize nonprofit organizations across the United States and Canada that demonstrate outstanding service and community impact.
The volunteer-led rescue group, based in Lee County, was selected in the Honorees Category for its work rescuing animals from the county’s small rural shelter and helping local pet owners in need. Lending Paws a Hand pulls dogs and cats at risk of euthanasia while also supporting Sandhills residents with veterinary care and resources to keep their pets safe and healthy.
“I founded Lending Paws a Hand in 2013 in response to the plight of animals at the Lee County shelter,” writes President Mary Ashburn. “I diligently network with a variety of rescue organizations to help the dogs and cats at the Lee County shelter and respond to community requests to help animals in our area. Animals are our passion and we work tirelessly.”
Finalists belong to one of five categories: Animal, Wildlife and Marine Welfare Award; Community Services Award; Search, Rescue & Emergency Support Services Award; Veteran & Civil Servant Outreach Award; and Outdoor Accessibility & Education Award.
A sixth category, Defender Service Honorees, recognizes past finalists from 2021 to 2024 and gives them another opportunity to win a custom Defender 130 vehicle and award funding. While these organizations did not win in their original categories, their ongoing impact and continued need for a capable vehicle make them strong candidates for a second chance at winning.
Lending Paws a Hand falls under this sixth category.
“We continue to be inspired by the missions and people of nonprofit and charitable organizations across North America,” said Sam Allen, U.S. Brand Director for Defender. “Their unwavering dedication to service reflects the spirit of the Defender brand and our commitment to supporting those who drive real change in their communities.”
The category winners will be chosen through a public vote open from October 3 to October 19 and announced on November 15 during the Destination Defender event in Temecula, California. Being named winner would make a much-appreciated pawsitive change in the organization’s operations.
Six winners will each receive a new customized Defender 130 vehicle and a $30,000 prize to help advance their work. The customized Defender will help the organizations reach more people (and animals!) with its “off-road capability and go-anywhere spirit.”
Please click here to vote and watch the finalists’ videos.
If you would like to read more feel-good stories, please email your news or ideas to [email protected].
~ Written by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
