EVEN though we as community newspaper journalists often cover depressing crime-related stories, every now and again we encounter a story that restores our faith in humanity.
This week the Northglen News was privileged to tell the story of how small yet positive action by seven-year-old, Emma Bishop, snowballed into a tremendous reaction of support for the Feral Cat Rescue Trust.
The selfless endeavour began when the young eMdloti resident’s mum, Esther Bishop, wanted to teach Emma some important values regarding money.
“We decided that the best way to give her some pocket money was to simultaneously teach her about saving for herself and for charity. She saved up for a doll that she really wanted and then decided to donate the rest of her money to the Feral Cat Rescue Trust.
We suggested other organisations, but she had her heart set on helping the feral cats,” said the proud mum.
With the help of her mother, Emma made her donation of R34 towards the organisation, but only left her first name as a form of identification.
Taryn Oakley Cuthbert, of Feral Cat Rescue Trust, was moved by the donation and decided to track Emma down. She left a message on an eMdloti Facebook page – ‘Umdloti Beach. The ‘568” – where she inquired about the young altruist.
Ester saw the post and explained how the small donation came to be. It was at this point that the little girl’s act of kindness inspired others to follow suit.
Cuthbert said, “It created a ripple effect where more people offered to match and even better Emma’s donation. It is wonderful that her donation has not only encouraged others to support the cause, but has also provided an opportunity to raise awareness.”
When asked why she chose the organisation, Emma matter-of-factly explained, “I love cats, and these kitties don’t have a home with food.”
Young Emma also understood the dynamics behind the feral cats’ plight, and explained to the Northglen News how important it was to have the feral cats sterilised to prevent overpopulation.
