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Kelowna youths of all ages are showing their love for animals by taking their hard-earned piggybank dollars to the BC SPCA.
Suzanne Pugh, the manager of the BC SPCA Kelowna branch, said while they do allow youth 16 and over to volunteer with the animals, some kids who are younger also want to do their part.
“Kids care deeply about animals, keeping animals safe, animals being happy and healthy and we know that the kids in our communities really want to help,” said Pugh.
One of the biggest ways children supports the local SPCA is through youth entrepreneurship.
“I think it’s just really uplifting when a child walks in and you’re not expecting it and they’re clutching a fistful of dollars that they’ve collected from a lemonade stall,” said Pugh. “It’s really amazing.”
Some kids even go further by foregoing presents on their birthday and instead asking for money they can donate to the SPCA.
Those who donate get to take a special tour of the shelter.
“It’s just a great way for them to be involved,” said Pugh, of the donations. “It’s quite humbling for them and for the parents to come and do that.
“I think they really get a sense of worth in the community by doing it.”
She said she’s seen many parents teaching kids about properly caring for animals, something the kids seem to take very seriously.
“I think this generation of youth wants to follow in their parent’s footsteps,” said Pugh, who explained that young love for animals often comes from a strong connection with a pet, especially when there are ups and downs in the animal’s life.
Besides making financial donations, there are other ways that kids get to get involved in the SPCA.
Across the province, there are multiple SPCA kid’s camps.
“The one in Kelowna has really taken off,” said Pugh. “It’s been growing in success year after year.”
Up to 25 children, a day can participate in the week-long camp programs, that run for seven or eight weeks in the summer. Currently, they’re taking registration for the 2016 year on their website, and there are bursaries available to low-income families.
Pugh said kids come out of the camps being more aware of animal health and safety and with an even greater love for furry friends.
“A lot of those kids are choosing to give back and to get more involved with the community,” she said.
The Kelowna SPCA also partner with local schools, offering education programs and workshops across School District 23.
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