‘Dr Dolittle’ raises funds for four-legged friends
Ella was one of four children who was named Hillcrest Primary’s TRUper for her remarkable efforts.
A SEVEN-year-old girl’s tenacity and love for animals inspired her to confine herself to a cage for a day to raise much needed funding for her furry four-legged friends at the Kloof and Highway SPCA.
Hillcrest Primary School’s Grade 2 learner, Ella-Rose Minnie participated in the bold anti-animal cruelty campaign, locking herself in a socialisation cage overnight to promote awareness of the plight of abused animals and raise funds for the SPCA.
Despite being cautioned by her parents about the huge responsibility that she would be undertaking by participating, Ella was determined to spend the allotted time in the enclosure to do her part for the animals at the SPCA.
Ella-Rose along with her mom, Bridget, and Gypsey, a dog from the SPCA, spent 24 hours in the cage at the Kloof and Highway SPCA raising R8 000 in ‘bail money’ for her release, which was donated to the animal protection organisation.
Ella was so passionate about the cause that after completing the 24-hour confinement, she refused to leave Gypsey at the SPCA and convinced her parents to adopt the pooch.
“Known as our ‘Dr Dolittle’, Ella has always exhibited a love for animals. She often wanders around the garden talking to our animals and is incredibly diligent in feeding our chickens and bunnies. Although feeding the animals is her ‘chore’, she never complains about doing it,” said Bridget.
Ella’s commitment to the SPCA’s campaign earned her the title of the TRUper at Hillcrest Primary School- a child recognised for displaying exemplary qualities and being a role model to his or her peers.
Ella was one of four children who was named the Hillcrest Primary’s TRUper for her remarkable efforts and stands a chance to win a limited edition PlayStation console in the national competition on 9 December.
“We are extremely excited about the TRUper campaign because it recognises good behaviour and deeds among children. We believe that it is important to encourage children to always do their best. We are so proud of the inspiring stories that are being showcased through the TRUper campaign and commend selfless youngsters like Ella, who are such wonderful examples to others,” said Nicole Annells, marketing manager of Toys R Us.
