STV’s Chicago team recently volunteered at PAWS Chicago, a local no-kill animal shelter dedicated to addressing homeless animal overpopulation and enhancing animal welfare.

The team devoted their time and effort by constructing more than 60 elevated karanda beds for cats housed at the PAWS Chicago Medical Center, assembling PVC pipes and fittings and coating them with durable vinyl fabric. These elevated karanda beds are designed to offer enhanced comfort and quality of life for animals residing in PAWS’ care while they await adoption.

Established in 1997, PAWS Chicago has performed more than 280,000 free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, found loving homes for more than 70,000 pets, and consistently saved 98% of the pets who come through the organization’s doors.

The event was spearheaded by STV construction management team members Matt Smith, a long-time volunteer who regularly devotes his time at the PAWS Adoption Center, and Derek Messier, who dedicated several afternoons to preparing and pre-cutting materials for the project. STV also supported the initiative by covering the cost of materials.

“I have volunteered at the PAWS Adoption Center for two years now, and my experience has been incredibly rewarding,” Smith said. “It’s an exceptional organization with a remarkable mission, and the data shows the impact they and other Chicago shelters are making, not only in reducing stray populations but also in finding loving homes for countless cats and dogs.”

In addition to Smith and Messier, STV’s volunteers included: Molly Ma, Aziz Mirza, Aubrey Tetreault-Folmsbee, Clara Roth, Susan Ruth, Colin Williams, Shreya Itika, Gabriela Gonzalez, Thomas Arey and David Favaro.