Sunday, August 14, 2011

Updates!


First things first: I now have my ticket back to Japan for October of this year! I will be spending 8 days in Taiji to document and help shut down the worlds largest live captive dolphin trade and slaughter. It's a somber achievement, because though I have finalized my plans for this campaign there are some horrible images and experiences that await me once I return. The past 6 months of my life have been almost entirely dedicated to this campaign, and now that I have my ticket and the support of so many awesome people, organizations and companies I can breathe a little easier. I want to take this time to send a HUGE thanks to Healthforce Nutritionals for not only providing me with amazing, raw, vegan nutritional products but also for putting me to work for them and helping me get one step closer to my financial goal. Japan is an incredibly expensive place, and even a short 1 week trip could cost a few thousand dollars!

I've had several fundraising projects going on recently, but one that I'm wrapping up right now is my 1 week photo exhibition of the Japanese tsunami here in Richmond, VA. Studio Two Three offered to host my exhibition in their awesome gallery in downtown Richmond, and the turnout and support I received was amazing. There are plenty of fundraisers I could be doing right now that could potentially be more financially rewarding, but the opportunity to share our story, talk about the dolphin protection campaign and connect with people on a personal level is something that I value very deeply.

I'm planning a few more photo exhibitions here and there, and hopefully doing another Bike to Protect ride next month if I can find the time. Again, if you'd like to donate or order a t-shirt there is a button on the side of this blog that allows you to do so. Please remember to phone the Japanese embassy and let them know you don't agree with the dolphin slaughter that happens in Taiji! Also, if anyone you know is thinking of going to a dolphinarium or a swim with the dolphins program please encourage them not to! Remind them what they're supporting every time they visit these places!

Thank you all so much for your support!

For the animals,
Mike XVX