Families with disabled children invited to apply for dolphin therapy program

This autumn, 15 low-income families raising children with disabilities will have the opportunity to participate in a unique dolphin therapy program at the Lithuanian Sea Museum's Dolphin Therapy Center. This initiative, now in its ninth year, offers a chance for children to experience an unforgettable therapeutic journey.

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Scientific research shows that the bond with an animal can be an important factor in motivating and emotionally engaging, helping the child to more easily engage in interaction, experience positive emotions and build a relationship based on trust. Dolphin-assisted therapy is also associated with positive changes in communication, social engagement, attention and emotional state.

Olga Žalienė, director of the Lithuanian Sea Museum, highlighted the program's benefits, stating that dolphin-assisted therapy, combined with specialized activities focusing on sensory integration, movement, art, and social skills, can be a powerful motivator for children. Scientific research suggests that interaction with animals can foster emotional engagement, positive experiences, and trust, leading to improvements in communication, social interaction, attention, and emotional well-being.

Families interested in applying are invited to submit their applications and supporting documents between September 7 and 12. Only selected participants will be notified by October 16. The initiative is a collaborative effort, primarily supported by AB "Premia KPC" and the Lithuanian retail chain "Maxima," through their "Ice Cream for You, Dolphin Help for Them" campaign.

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This meaningful initiative would not be possible without our customers. We are extremely grateful to them that by purchasing "Klasika" portion ice cream in all "Maxima" stores, they provide necessary help to children with special needs.

Alvydas Malakauskas, CEO of AB "Premia KPC," expressed gratitude to customers whose purchases of "Klasika" portion ice cream contribute to the fund. This year, a special vanilla-blueberry flavored ice cream with a dedicated package featuring an animated dolphin has been introduced, with an additional one-cent donation from each purchase going to the social initiative's fund. Malakauskas noted the increasing number of families needing assistance each year, underscoring the program's growing importance.

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With each package of these ice creams purchased, this year we are allocating an additional 1 euro cent to the fund of the social initiative "Ice Cream for You, Dolphin Help for Them". We took this additional step after noticing a trend that more and more families and their children need help each year.