School raises funds for animal shelter

Milnerton Primary School pupils had a lesson with a difference on Monday morning when animals from the Fallen Angels Pet Rescue animal shelter visited the school.

Bev Haywood, the headmaster’s personal assistant, said the school had raised R36000 in donations from parents and pupils for the animal shelter, with Grade 1 classes raising the most: R6 128.75.

The school adopts a charity each term.

“In the first term, we will focus on animals in need, second term are people in need, third term are children in need, and for the fourth term it will be a Christmas drive,” Ms Haywood said.

“Our children have opened their hearts in a big way and are aware of the needs of our greater community by responding with generosity. It is so beautiful to behold.”

The non-profit Melkbosstrand shelter for abused and neglected animals was founded in 2014.

The school’s head of charity, teacher Carla Ehlers, said the charity drive for the shelter had shot well past its initial goal of R13 000 in just a month and a half.

“We would like to thank the parents who have once again shown their support for our charity drives,” she said.

As a reward, the pupils got to wear civvies on Monday and meet some of the animals from the shelter.

“Children were taught about the importance of caring for their animals. How animals out there are abused and neglected. On the other hand, some pupils had overcome their fear by touching and caring for the animals that visited the school,” said Ms Ehlers.

One of the shelter’s founders, Shireen Williams, thanked the school for the money it raised, saying it would be used for the well-being of all animals.

“This is an amazing fund-raising and educational initiative. It is so important for animal care to be taught to future generations. Nurturing them into compassionate and kind adults.”

Headmaster Warick Middleton said: "We encourage our children to think outside of themselves and to be aware of those in need in our community by selecting a charity every term.”

You can contact Fallen Angels Pet Rescue at 084 482 0290 or info@fallenangels.org.za