By Callum Ludwig
Animal Aid in Coldstream is grateful for a welcome winter boost from the families of the Yarra Junction Primary School (YJPS).
Donations were collected from the school’s fundraising Welcome to Winter Day where students rugged up in their winter woollies for the day.
Teacher Jacqueline Woodbridge said YJPS was successful in fundraising $175 and a big array of towels, blankets, food and other things for Animal Aid.
“It was really successful and our students and school captains were really keen on doing something for the animals, we haven’t previously done a big fundraiser for Animal Aid before so we want to raise awareness,” she said.
“For them to know that Animal Aid is doing something for the community, and are willing to give up their time to educate them so they can spread that broader message, is really important.”
School Captain Sam and Vice Captains Maisy and Oliver toured the shelter on their visit, learning about the different needs and behaviours of the animals they have helped.
“It’s cool to see behind the scenes and what they do here, and I’m glad we could hello out with the donations and help these guys have a good time here before they go off to a good home,” Sam said.
“I reckon it’s nice to let the cats go out and you can see how they feel about people, it’s nice to see that they can still be happy after what’s been going on for some of them,” Oliver said.
“It’s nice to see how they treat the cats and what they do to find them a family and to look after them,” Maisy said.
Winter donations are extremely important for shelters like Animal Aid, with adoptions dropping over this time of year meaning more supplies are required to cater to animals that end up without a home.
Animal Aid spokesperson Jessica Walley said it’s lovely to have school groups interested and involved in supporting animals.
“Young kids always have an affinity for animals and most people have pets, so there’s always that connection, but we have school groups come here often and we love to show them around,” she said.
“We always hope that they take something away from their visit here and maybe go home and speak to their family about whatever it could be: desexing, microchipping and all things important for pet ownership and if kids know about it, hopefully their families will too.”
