The Grade 6 class at Erskine School got to play with puppies and learn about Stettler’s Animal Haven Rescue League as part of its unit on organizations that contribute to the needs of different people.
As part of their studies, the class chose an organization and decided to do a fundraiser. The students ran a penny drive for Animal Haven and raised almost $300.
“We thought it would be nice to bring some of our animals in,” said Jeannie Wright, who gave the presentation along with Donna Manson. “So they got to socialize with the animals and clean up the messes too. It was more of a thank you, here’s the presentation kind of thing.”
The students got to play with four puppies and learn about what Animal Haven does for Stettler and area.
“It’s important to educate the kids, because they’re our future,” she said. “So if we can start educating people – the younger generations – right now on how to properly care for the animals, then hopefully in the future things won’t be like they are now. There’s always hope.”
When someone donates to Animal Haven, that donor can earmark where the funds go. In this case, the students didn’t have a destination in mind, so the money will go toward vet care.
Wright said vet bills are Animal Haven’s biggest expense.
“All of them were thrilled with the puppies and they got to hold them and see that the rescue dogs that we do get are just like their own dogs,” she said. “It doesn’t mean that they’re bad or that something’s wrong with them…it’s just like your own dog or cat that you get at home. They’re no different from anyone else’s animal.”