With progress being made behind the scenes preparing for the upcoming Dolphin Discovery Trail, more support is needed from craftspeople, drivers, and volunteers to bring the community event together this year.
The 2025 Dolphin Discovery Trail will follow in the webbed feet of the 2023 Puffin Patrol, and the hooves of the Golden Guernsey Goat Trail from 2021.
There have also been similar, and equally successful, events using model goats and donkeys too.
The idea is that people visit each of the dolphin statues which will be positioned around the island, before they are auctioned off in September.
All 62 dolphins have been sponsored by local businesses, charities, and other organisations, with artists decorating them before they go on display in May.
The money raised so far, any other donations, and the auction proceeds will be split between the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey at the end of the project.
Express is media partner and is excited to be able to showcase each of the sponsors and artists via a new website we are developing especially for the Dolphin Discovery Trail.
Before the dolphins can be put in their Trail positions, there is still some more work to do.
62 plinths need to be made to highlight the sponsor and artists when the dolphins are on display. Anyone who may be able to help is asked to email dolphinparade2025@gmail.com
Other volunteers or corporate backers are needed to help transport the dolphins, sell any merchandise or run a dolphin themed event.
The money will be split equally between the two charities, which are both in desperate need of funding.
Autism Guernsey lost a valuable grant that it has previously relied on to provide its community services, while the GSPCA is in the midst of a large scale redevelopment at the animal shelter in St Andrew’s.
Both charities thanked all of the sponsors, artists, and other backers who have already supported the 2025 Dolphin Discovery Trail, but said anyone else interested in helping should email dolphinparade2025@gmail.com or call 257261 and ask for Steve Byrne, who is Manager of the GSPCA.
“We are absolutely delighted to announce we now have all 62 sponsors for the Dolphin Discovery Trail 2025 which takes place this Spring,” he said.
“The dolphins arrived just before the New Year thanks to Ferryspeed and most are out with the artists with the last few being collected over the next week or so.
“From DWA Flooring to Craftwise Ltd, Aquitaine Group to Blanchelande Park Nursing Home, Ravenscroft to TISE we are so excited to announce the names of all involved in the coming weeks.
“We recently launched a facebook page which you can see by going to Dolphin Discovery Trail 2025 .”
The Puffin Parade that was held in 2023 raised an incredible £140,000 which was split between the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey.
Andrew Sparks Autism Guernsey Director said it was huge fun and raised vital funds for both charities involved.
“Both Autism Guernsey and the GSPCA are so thankful to all 62 sponsors that are helping support this years Dolphin Discovery Trail 2025,” he said.
“The Puffin Parade was an incredible event that raised much needed funds for both the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey last year.
“Over the last few months we having been working on the next big event which will be the Dolphin Discovery Trail 2025.
“Both charities do so much for the community and we are delighted to once again join up for what is going to be another amazing event to bring joy to the island and bring much needed funds for Autism Guernsey and the GSPCA.
“Many will have seen the news recently about funding for Autism Guernsey and we are all doing all we can to raise the much needed funds for our essential work supporting our community.
“If anyone is keen to support Autism Guernsey in any way we would love to hear from you from the Dolphin Discovery trail 2025 to other ways you think you can support.
“We must say a huge thanks to Two Degrees North for kindly making our logo for this event it is hugely appreciated from both the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey and to Bailiwick Express for all of their support.
“We cannot thank everyone enough that helped with the Puffin Parade and we look forward updating everyone on the Dolphin Discovery Trail 2025.”
To see the Autism guernsey website visit – Autism Guernsey
To see the GSPCA website please visit – GSPCA