Cat Rescue Meets Lifeguard Service: Two Women, One Passion – Volunteering

While on vacation on the Canary Island of Fuerteventura, Mirjam Kirschsieper noticed a cat living in deplorable conditions. “She had only one eye and had just given birth. Seeing her, and talking with locals, made me aware of the difficult situation for many stray cats on the island,” recalls the IT manager at Messe Düsseldorf.

That 1999 trip was a turning point that changed her life: Mirjam Kirschsieper decided to take action. As founder and chairwoman of the animal welfare organization EL CAPITÁN animal project, she has since been committed to helping the stray cats of Fuerteventura. A certified animal naturopath and proud owner of two cats and a dog, the animal lover from the Bergisches Land region knows exactly what support these animals need most.

“What makes EL CAPITÁN special? We don’t see cat welfare as an isolated issue, but as something that’s interconnected with the environment, humans, and animals. Medical care, neutering, education, and local support all work hand in hand – for long-term impact. Our organization collaborates closely with local authorities, hotels, and veterinary clinics on Fuerteventura. For example, we set up feeding stations at hotels where the cats don’t bother guests. We then regularly de-flea, deworm, neuter, or treat the cats if they’re ill. We offer this as a free service to hotels. We also try to find loving homes for some of the cats – first locally, and if that doesn’t work, then in Germany.”

EL CAPITÁN animal project is funded through donations and membership fees. Mirjam Kirschsieper is thrilled that her employer is among the supporters. As part of an internal raffle, 20 employees engaged in volunteer work submitted applications for a donation to their respective nonprofit. As one of four winners, Mirjam Kirschsieper received a €500 donation from Messe Düsseldorf to support her organization’s efforts.

As chair of EL CAPITÁN, the IT manager takes on a demanding volunteer role: “We have 183 members, all from Germany, and helpers on the island who support us. I manage everything for the organization – from the website and social media accounts to the newsletters.”

The skills Mirjam Kirschsieper has gained in her various roles at Messe Düsseldorf help her work more effectively in her volunteer efforts – particularly in organizing, communication, and networking. And the benefits go both ways. “Being decisive, organized, adaptable, and persistent – all of these qualities are crucial in both worlds,” she says.

Katharina Kolissnyk is also involved in a nonprofit that received €500 as part of the Messe Düsseldorf donation raffle. She volunteers with the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG), Meerbusch chapter, just outside Düsseldorf. Now 35, she’s been part of the DLRG since childhood: she learned to swim there and later began training others, including lifeguards – something she still does today as a board member. Her current courses are geared toward adult non-swimmers as well as children and teenagers.

“The DLRG is a fantastic community. I’ve made lifelong friends here that I can always rely on,” says Katharina Kolissnyk. A naturally communicative and highly organized person, she also thrives in her professional role. “I’ve been with Messe Düsseldorf for three years and work as a project manager for the K trade fair – the world’s leading trade show for the plastics and rubber industry. In my very first year, I was lucky enough to travel to Shenzhen for the Chinaplas – China’s counterpart to the K. My colleague and I organize the German participation there. It was a real plunge into cold water, but I learned a lot working with our Chinese partners.”

The K portfolio includes a dozen international events, all coordinated by Katharina and her colleagues. As a liaison for exhibiting companies, she solves the many challenges – large and small – that come with such events. She also organizes German joint booths abroad, where companies travel together to establish business ties in international markets.

It’s a varied job that requires people skills, careful planning, and the ability to improvise – all just as essential in her volunteer work with the DLRG.

Incidentally, Katharina Kolissnyk has never had to pull anyone from the water. “Thankfully,” she says, “because that would be a very emotionally difficult experience.” Still, she’s always on alert: whenever she’s near a body of water, she instinctively checks whether anyone might need help. “We’re happy to take responsibility for our community – that’s what DLRG volunteers are all about.”