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communities. “Local residents can be initially skeptical of resort patrons
suddenly dropping into their world,” Gallagher said, “but soon warm
to the genuine interest, contributions and friendship offered by DFAC
members.” Many encourage the group to return.
A typical DFAC trip lasts a week and combines several days of
spearfishing with at least two days of community service. Divers donate
70 percent or more of their catch and pitch in on a service project.
They take along donated masks, snorkels and soccer balls to give to
local children in person. They also take books and education supplies to
schools and participate in classroom activities, often reading the books
they brought. They paint buildings, make electrical repairs and generally
add lasting improvements wherever they go.
The program is so popular that destinations have requested DFAC visits,
said Maas. “We’re not going to save the world with two or three days of
community service, but it leaves everybody, participants and recipients,
with such a good feeling. The goodwill we leave in the community cannot
be measured.” Those hundreds of pounds of fish put in the freezers of
orphanages, food kitchens and elder-care facilities, however, can be.
—Melissa Gaskill
DIVE SLATE
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winter 2013
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