Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Lily Zhang. Read her story, and nominate an excellent volunteer or household as a Daily Point of Light.
Lily Zhang’s volunteer journey embodies the spirit of dedication and experience, showcasing how one individual’s ardour can considerably influence an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of others. Starting her volunteer work within the kennels of the Guide Dog Foundation six years in the past, Lily’s preliminary position concerned direct interplay with dogs, offering them with care and companionship.
Her dedication, nevertheless, didn’t cease on the kennels. Drawing from greater than twenty years of expertise in occasion planning, Lily transitioned to a task the place she may make a fair better influence – working carefully with the Special Events division to orchestrate the muse’s annual fundraiser.
Leveraging her in depth background in occasions, Lily has grow to be an integral a part of the planning committee for the Guide Dog Foundation’s annual fundraiser. Meeting month-to-month, the committee focuses on important points of the occasion, reminiscent of donation and fundraising updates, logistic planning and addressing any pending duties.
At the center of the annual fundraiser’s success is the unbelievable teamwork between the muse’s workers and volunteers. Lily emphasizes that whereas strategic planning and execution are essential, the collective effort and dedication of everybody concerned are what actually convey the occasion to life. This collaborative spirit not solely ensures the occasion’s success but additionally reinforces the neighborhood’s dedication to supporting the Guide Dog Foundation’s mission.
Read extra about how Lily makes use of her talent set to assist the invaluable work of the Guide Dog Foundation.
Tell us about your volunteer position.
I found the Guide Dog Foundation again in 2017, and I really like working with animals – dogs particularly – however I additionally needed to hyperlink it with the next objective that will influence individuals in a significant means. I did some analysis and located Guide Dog Foundation, and I reached out to them. I truly began as a kennel volunteer the place I’d spend time socializing with among the service dogs that that they had of their kennels. I noticed that the commute to get there was a bit of bit far, and the period of time on a weekly or month-to-month foundation was a bit of an excessive amount of.
As for caring for the dogs, I journey for work about 30% of the yr, and I can barely walk or water myself. So, I assumed, what higher means to assist than with the fundraising course of? We do an annual occasion referred to as “Dogs on the Catwalk,” and I assist with the fundraising efforts for that occasion. I’m additionally on the planning committee to make it a extra profitable and extra environment friendly occasion. There are totally different touchpoints – individuals can donate, whether or not it’s for his or her raffles or 50/50 containers or public sale, in order that’s actually the place my experience has helped the muse.
Why is that this situation so vital to you?
The Guide Dog Foundation was featured just a few occasions on The Today Show, and I noticed the influence that it made on among the recipients. After my first occasion, I had full chills and goosebumps. When you’re a volunteer, you don’t essentially get to see the top results of your effort and time; you don’t essentially get to see the output of your enter. But when you hear these tales and get to witness how a lot somebody’s life has modified, that they’ve been given this freedom to maneuver round on a day-to-day foundation with the assistance of this information canine, doing issues they could not have been in a position to do earlier than… it’s actually simply heartwarming.
A whole lot of the companions attend these fundraising occasions, and they’re simply probably the most humble and grateful human beings I’ve ever come throughout. The very first thing they wish to do is shake your hand or hug you and let you understand how a lot it means to them that you simply’re there to volunteer. One of probably the most unbelievable issues is that the cost to obtain a seeing eye canine is totally free to the recipient, which is why this basis is so vital. Bringing the companions to the campus in Smithtown, NY, to obtain the ultimate items of coaching – it’s free for them to return and keep for 2 weeks to obtain their service dogs. There’s additionally a 24/7 assist system available. Breeding, elevating and coaching a service canine is upwards of $50,000. So, each greenback counts for Guide Dog Foundation, by way of offering this service freed from cost to recipients.
What’s your favourite canine breed?
We work probably the most with labradors. They vary from these candy, calm animals to hyper with numerous power. I actually do love the labrador breed, and they’re some of the common breeds within the U.S, however I additionally love a golden retriever. For anybody who has allergic reactions, we additionally prepare poodles.
Tell us about future partnerships, applications or occasions that you’re enthusiastic about.
We have a sister organization, America’s VetDogs. We’re engaged on some thrilling initiatives, partnering with a variety of sports activities groups all through the U.S. to convey consciousness about how essential it’s to the recipients of those animals to have such an organization. Really, spreading consciousness is important.
What’s been probably the most rewarding a part of your work?
I feel it’s the camaraderie that you simply get with the opposite volunteers that you simply get once you’re on these month-to-month planning calls to finalize each single element of the occasion that occurs each October. This recognition isn’t just for me, however for all of the volunteers throughout the board for Guide Dog Foundation. It’s such an unbelievable journey that we’re on collectively. After a lot planning and so many particulars, seeing that remaining product that actually takes my breath away.
Why is it vital for individuals to get entangled with the causes they care about?
I feel it brings a degree of serotonin – some individuals related to infants or animals – there’s happiness and success once you do volunteer with one thing that you simply’re obsessed with. Whether it’s serving to fundraise for Guide Dog Foundation or working with humanitarian efforts or social justice, it’s so vital to get on the market and provides a few of your free time to those causes. You can cut up your time between your individual hobbies and doing one thing significant and impactful. It makes you are feeling so a lot better as a human being.
Any recommendation for individuals who wish to begin volunteering?
I feel it’s actually vital to talk with the organization’s volunteer supervisor and chat with them. Share with them, “This is what I’m really good at” or “This is what I do for my professional career.” Suggest methods you would possibly be capable of assist or ask in case your abilities may also help them. Then allow them to know the way a lot time you may dedicate. It doesn’t essentially must be 100 hours a month. You can volunteer 5 – 6 hours a month and nonetheless make a huge effect. Any time given is significant.
Do you wish to make a distinction in your neighborhood like Lily? Find local volunteer opportunities.
