The Variety International Presidential Citation is an honour bestowed upon an unsung hero and Paul Pinel is one of Jerseys.
He is a passionate Variety supporter and has made an outstanding contribution to Variety Jersey through his tireless work as an active Crew member.
Paul has been a member for nearly 20 years, having officially joined Variety in September 2004 and was elected to serve on Crew in 2017. He previously supported his parents who were both Variety members from as far back as his early teens!
Paul became Chairman of the Variety Sailing Trust in 2022, the Trust currently operates a 38 foot Catamaran which has been modified to allow disabled access. Being out on the water helps children and young people to develop independence and confidence, get out in the fresh air as well as making friends and learning new skills.
Paul is also a Trustee and Treasurer for the Gouray Youth Trust, Chairman of Variety’s part in the Simply Christmas Market and Variety’s ‘Webmaster’, overseeing the charities PR and social media activities.
The Chief Barker, Sandra Auckland said: “He is always willing to help and nothing is ever too much trouble. He has Variety at heart and is an exemplary Crew member.”
Paul said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive this award. I would like to thank the wonderful Variety staff and volunteers who have supported me along the way! I would also like to say a big thank you to my fellow Variety Sailing Trust colleagues and to our wonderful volunteer Skippers and Crew who have worked so hard to ensure that hundreds of local children and young people are able to enjoy and benefit from the experience of going afloat on the fabulous Vernon Lilford Spirit of Variety.”
Pictured: Paul (left) receiving his award from the Bailiff of Jersey and Variety Patron, Sir Tim Le Cocq, at a recent lunch at the L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa.
