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| Matthew McCormack was the winner of the VFTH 1st International Children's Writing Competition 2011 |
Everyone has a hobby or task that they love. Volunteering is one of the hobbies that I enjoy. I particularly like to spend time helping animals such as horses. For two years in high school, I volunteered at a therapeutic riding facility for children and adults who are disabled. I would help individuals with various mental and physical disabilities learn to ride horses. As I would walk alongside the horse and rider, I made sure the pupil was sitting up straight, holding the reigns properly, but most importantly, feeling content and special. This was such a joy for me and for everybody who was involved in the therapeutic riding lessons. Everyone whom I volunteered with at this fantastic facility, including the horses, was so upbeat. Associating with horses and helping the less fortunate feel like they were on top of the world was definitely a win-win situation.
I have also volunteered for years at a large animal rescue facility. I clean stalls, brush horses, hand out treats, and make sure each animal is treasured. Seeing horses and other farm animals bounce back from a previous life of abuse or neglect at this rescue facility is such a great feeling. Knowing that I was involved in the recovery effort of suffering animals puts a big and rewarding smile on my face.
I would encourage others to get out and volunteer! Maybe volunteering with animals is not your thing. There are countless other volunteer opportunities to embrace. I would encourage everyone to play a part in making the world a better place. Something as simple as a friendly greeting or gesture to a person (or an animal  ) truly does make the world a happier, better place to live.
Matthew McCormack
St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.
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