A Veteran and Padre, Reverend Paul Richards has devoted many years advocating for and helping Veterans through various associations like the Legion Veterans Village Research Foundation, the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Regimental Association, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veterans Association and The Royal Canadian Legion.
As of 2023, Reverend Paul has sat on the Board of Directors for the Legion Veterans Village Research Foundation. The foundation works to identify clinical research and methods for the treatment of stress and trauma related disorders among Veterans and first responders. As an ordained Anglican Church Minister, he assumed Chaplain duties, worked directly with Veterans, their families and others to provide support and care, particularly where Veterans and first responders are experiencing trauma related injuries.
For the past two years, Reverend Paul has also been a volunteer Padre for the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Regimental Association. He provides spiritual and pastoral care as well as grief counseling for Veterans and families. He visits the sick and also conducts funeral services for Veterans and their families. He is responsible for conducting Regimental Association services to mark both Remembrance Day and the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
Reverend Paul has also been a volunteer Padre for Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veterans Association for eight years. He assists with pastoral and spiritual care for Veterans and their families as well as grief counselling. He also works on the Memory Project as a volunteer speaker (2011-2024), speaking to youth in the Greater Vancouver area about contributions, sacrifices and achievements of Veterans, as well as Veteran issues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also gave a virtual presentation for the elderly and cadets.
Lastly, Reverend Paul also volunteered with The Royal Canadian Legion working as a liaison in Ottawa on projects with both the Korea Veterans and Merchant Navy Associations. He helped with the Poppy Fund Campaign fundraisers. For the past eight years, he has also been a volunteer and financial supporter in educating youth at the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre.