Young boy raises nearly R20 000 for pets in need during lockdown

With the country preparing to move into level 3 lockdown at the end of the month, many have used the past few weeks as an opportunity to do something profound. With the help of kindred spirits, a youngster has raised nearly R20 000 for animals in need.

Luke Calvert said that during the holidays, his mom showed him a Facebook post about how Puppy and Kitty Haven in Johannesburg  was in need due to the nationwide lockdown, inspiring him to shave his head and raise money for the cause.

The post said that the foundation needed R250 000 for the month to make sure the animals got fed.

“It made me sad. I shaved my hair and made a video asking people to donate because I had already donated R200.

“My mom said that that the dogs and cats don’t have enough food. I felt sorry for them and it worried me. My mom showed me a boy on Facebook who had shaved his hair to raise money for another charity. His name is Ryan. He inspired me. I didn’t want to shave my hair at first, but I knew that something good would come from it,” said Calvert.

By putting together a Facebook post, and rallying the support of friends, neighbours, and classmates, the youngster raised R19 300. “I couldn’t believe it when my mom told me the amount I had raised.

The founder of Kitty and Puppy Haven wrote on Facebook that I was so special and she had tears in her eyes. I always wanted to make a difference in the world, and now I know I can,” said Calvert.

Calvert is an avid lover of all animals and even spoke about his love for his pets.

“Animals are my favourite thing in the world. I have two little Yorkies named Bowie and JoJo, and JoJo was adopted from the SPCA. They are my best friends,” concluded Calvert.

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