You’re never too small to make a difference. Just ask eight-year-old Lily Stewart from Stellarton!
When Lily was only five years old, she created her very own holiday – Friendship Day. Friendship Day is dedicated to helping everyone feel loved and cared for. Being a passionate animal-lover, Lily’s Friendship Day naturally included caring for pets too.
To help spread love to local animals in need, Lily planned to sell bracelets and donate the funds raised. Her family loaded up on craft supplies and Lily got to work making beautiful handmade bracelets. Throughout the month of March, she sold the bracelets for $2 each.
Last year through bracelet sales and donations Lily raised an amazing $700 and was motivated to do even more. This year, Lily tallied up her donations and proudly walked into the Pictou SPCA donating more than $1,600! How out-of-this-world wonderful!!
Lily dropped off some of our top needed items on our SPCA shelter wish list and the funds raised so we could maximize her donations to the fullest. The SPCA has several amazing partnerships where we can sometimes get substantial discounts on supplies. Plus, donations can be allocated to medical care to ensure every pet is safe, happy and healthy. On top of her super-hero support, Lily also adopted a cute kitty named Max.
Lily’s family is very proud of their little superstar for making such a positive difference for shelter pets in need. Her step-mama, Katie Wilcox, said, “Myself, Lily’s mom, Holly, and dad, James, really only wanted to share Lily’s story in hopes that it would encourage other kids and families to help support local causes in their communities. We are very proud of Lily, but also make it very known how much the volunteers and employees of the SPCA and other local shelters do, and she knows that you all are the real heroes.”
“We are so thankful for everyone’s generosity with Friendship Day this year,” Katie shared. “It really shows Lily how much kindness there is in the world still.” We totally agree! A special thank you to Lily and your amazing family for your generosity, kindness and dedication to helping local animals in need. You’re truly making a difference.
Lily and her family know that the SPCA does not receive any government funding for our shelters, so donations are especially needed to help save lives. Ready to hit the ground running or not sure where to start? Message Taylor at the SPCA as she would love to help make your fundraiser a big success. Let your creativity run wild! A few fun ideas to start your brainstorming are:
- Sweat for the SPCA – Ask a yoga instructor or personal trainer to run a by-donation class to help shelter pets
- Birthday Paw-ty – Instead of a cake, card and presents, everyone can donate to the SPCA in honour of your special day
- Bake a Difference – Host a by-donation bake sale with delicious goodies. In fact, we have an SPCA day dedicated to this in February 2020 called Bake Sales for Wagging Tails
No matter your age, you can support local animals by fundraising and helping thousands of sick, abandoned and abused animals that need our help every year. Thank you, Lily for inspiring and empowering us!!