Craighall community pulls together to help 12-year-old boy support rescue animals
CRAIGHALL – Inspiration can be found in many places such as Charles's love for animals.
A school project turns into a community drive to rescue animals after a young man posted a plea on a local Facebook group.
Charles Swart, a 12-year-old, Grade 6 learner at King Edward VII Preparatory School (Keps), was given a life orientation project by his teacher to help animal rescue organisations.
“I chose the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) because we got our cat, Callie, from them four years ago,” said Charles.
With the help of his mom, Allison Swart, he posted a plea for animal food on the Craighall Facebook page on 9 September which read, “I would like to donate some dog and cat food to the Animal Anti-cruelty League. If anyone would like to donate a small tin or bag of pet food, I will ask my mom to collect it and we will deliver it to the AACL on Wednesday.”
The response from the community was heart-warming as many offered to donate food or money towards Charle’s project. His passion for animals is evident as he adds, “I have always loved animals. There have always been animals in our house since I was born so I can’t imagine going to bed at night without a cat or a dog on my bed!”
With bags of dog and cat food in tow, Charles and his mom visited the AACL on 11 September to hand over their collection. “When my mom and I arrived at the AACL, I was quite sad to see so many animals there, but as we walked around I could see the cats and dogs were quite happy; their cages are very clean and they have blankets and food and also some people come to walk the dogs and play with the cats, which makes me happy,” said the young man.
His proud mom said, “I am very proud of Charles. He is very involved in sport at school so this was something different for him to focus on and a good challenge. He definitely rose to the occasion and surprised us all.”
Aside from food donations, cash contributions brought in R700 for the league.
“I really saw how much my community cares about animals because so many people gave pet food and money for us to give to the organisation. I am so grateful that people went out of their way to donate and also thanks to my mom for driving around to collect donations.”
Details: Animal Anti Cruelty League 011 435 0672.
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