The Dolphin Discovery Foundation is a nonprofit organization that arises from the commitment and dedication of a company towards its community.
We firmly believe that by empowering the collective efforts we can improve the quality of life for the children of Mexico and the Caribbean islands.
Due to this, we decided to interview some volunteers around the world.
What does being a volunteer mean to you?
Taneshia Kelly told us “Giving back to a cause, willingly and working alongside others.”
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- Taneshia Campbell
“Volunteering to me means making an impact, no matter how big or small, on a life whether that be animals or human beings! Being a volunteer gives you the opportunity and joy to bring hope, love, and support to people that needn’t it most! It’s a selfless act to want or desire to make a difference without expecting anything back in return!” told us very happy Sabrina Short.
Tell us your most gratifying experience as a volunteer from the Dolphin Discovery Foundation.
Sabrina Short told us a beautiful story worth to read: “Oh Geez! There’s been a lot! The first and most recent experience that was one of the satisfying moments was our 10,000 smiles charity event! We had a single mother with 3 kids. Her youngest had been in and out of St. Jude’s for the last year. (St. Jude’s was who we decided to donate the money raised that day too). Money was tight for this single mom, as many people experience! Her son had never been near a dolphin before!
She told us he tended to get nervous around bigger animals, including dogs, horses, etc. her other 2 kids really wanted to do the swim while they weren’t on vacation. She obviously didn’t want to leave her youngest out. He didn’t socialize much as it was and she didn’t want him to be uncomfortable.
They walked down to the docks when it was their time for the program. Her son was still quiet and a little unsure of things but continued to follow his mother and siblings. As they waited to each climb into the habitat, the little boy and one of our dolphins locked eyes!
The dolphin swam right up to the side of the habitat the little boy was standing and made all kinds of happy sounds! The little boy immediately smiled and clapped! As he got in the habitat he never took his eyes off that dolphin. When asked who wanted to be the first to get a kiss of the dolphin, this little boy immediately uttered “Me!” Mom I want too”. His mom and siblings had some of the biggest smiles ever as their brother was not normally a talker let alone that ambitious! The trainer set this little boy up for his kiss and the instant smile and pure joy and appreciation this little boy had on his face brought everyone to tears!
He then got to complete the ride portion of the program, and as the little boy was doing his ride he just kept smiling and yelling “Mom I did it, did you see me I’m doing it”! This charity event, this program we offer every day, simply changed this little boys outlook on life! It brought him so much joy, he naturally came out of his comfort zone, and was socializing which we’re told he had not been doing in years!
He got to connect with these beautiful animals and experience this with his family! It was a very rewarding moment getting to be apart and experience what pure gratitude and joy looks like!”.
Do you think that being a volunteer can change something in the world? Why and how?
“Definitely. You make a direct impact on the people affected by your cause. Building a community will change a life and provide hope by making new friends.” Proud Taneshia Kelly told us.
“Yes, we create awareness of the power to help those who need or brighten the day with recreational activities.” Giselle Medina told us very secure.
Giselle Medina
Have you invited any of your relatives to participate in volunteering activities? How was their experience?
“Yes! Absolutely! I and my entire team get our family and friends involved with any event or volunteer activity! We always get great feedback from our families and friends after their participation in an event and down even give us ideas and possibly changes for future volunteer events/activities.” Sabrina Short told us proud of her family.
Sabrina Short
Volunteering is a life-changing experience that everyone must live once in a life to understand that feeling, just as Aristoteles said, “What is the essence of life? Serve others and do good”.