Youngster gives birthday money to dog-rescue charity

(CNS Local Life): Primary student Molly De Saram used her recent 10th birthday party to help others by donating her gift money to local charity One Dog at a Time (ODAAT). Her reason was simple: “I love dogs, and I really would like to have my own puppy,” she explained, adding that her parents have not yet agreed to getting a pet, so “I decided to give my money to help needy dogs.”

Molly’s class teacher at Cayman Prep and High School and ODAAT vice president, Caroline Johnston, said charity is a big topic with her students. “As part of our Year 5 curriculum in religious education, we analyse the story of the Good Samaritan,” Johnston said in a press release. “The discussion of the class led to considering if there were good Samaritans today.”  

The children decided that they wanted to produce their own posters and PowerPoint presentations in support of a charity that they admired and wished to raise money for in their own time, she explained.

Exploring the local charities, she said, the children were “amazed” that there were more than 300 different non-profit organisations in Grand Cayman. Some chose to highlight the work of charities such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters, but many chose animal-based charities such as ODAAT and the Cayman Islands Humane Society.

“The class was so enthusiastic that they held a special assembly to mark their work,” Johnston said. “They encouraged other children to raise money, too, with bake sales, drinks stands and car washes.”

Michelle Spain, who fosters for ODAAT, thanked the young student, saying, “Molly’s donation is so generous. I’m not sure if I was her age whether I’d donate my birthday money.”

The donated funds will help recently rescued dogs and puppies with supplies and any veterinary care they need.

For more information about ODAAT, email info@odaat.ky or go to its Facebook page

Tags: Cayman Prep and High School, ODAAT, One Dog at a Time

Category: Community, Donations, Local News