Kids get Animal Aware with the BCSPCA
The British Columbia Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals offers 8-12 yr olds the chance to learn animal awareness. Fun, hands on activities include kids club, summer camps and themed activity days, such as rabbit day. Not only do both kids and parents learn animal facts but respect, care and compassion. As a former kids club member myself (I won’t mention how long ago) I flew from Montreal to Vancouver on a mission to speak with Paula Neuman, Humane Education Supervisor and coordinator of the SPCA kids programs to get the current scoop. Paula claims that the BCSPA kids club boasts an estimated 3000 members, and continues to grow. Often kids are so motivated by the animal info they learn that they organize their own animal events at school or home. Some organize donation drives for the SPCA, and others will do projects to teach their peers about animal awareness.
Paula goes on to say that the best way to create animal awareness is through children, since they are more empathetic, and open to critical thinking.
When asked if these kids make a difference later on in life she claims that yes, they absolutely do! Often former kids club members become animal advocates or work for the SPCA themselves. Paula points out that even I am an example of how kids grow up to spread animal awareness and do so through my photos and stories.
Paula herself has worked with the BCSPCA for 8 years and adopted her best friend (as seen with her in photo) Willow, a border collie/retriever cross about 1 year ago. Willow was brought to the SPCA because an ill, elderly woman could no longer look after her. She is very affectionate and is constantly at Paula’s side. She doesn’t hesitate to cuddle up to newcomers either. I discovered this as she tried to leap into my lap when I sat down!
Every animal at the SPCA has a story, just like every kid that becomes a member of the SPCA kids club. So even if you live here in Montreal check out what the BCSPCA offers for it’s youth and try some of these things for yourself. You can get all the info at www.spca.bc.ca .
There are many humane societies in Montreal where you can check out some animal stories for yourself. Here are a few that I have personally dealt with and recommend:
www.spcamontreal.com www.refugechatsverdun.com www.spcamonteregie.com
Article and photo by: Andrea Cook
Have you got a tip on an interesting animal story? Let us know! We are always looking for dishes on neat animals and animal info.
Paula goes on to say that the best way to create animal awareness is through children, since they are more empathetic, and open to critical thinking.
When asked if these kids make a difference later on in life she claims that yes, they absolutely do! Often former kids club members become animal advocates or work for the SPCA themselves. Paula points out that even I am an example of how kids grow up to spread animal awareness and do so through my photos and stories.
Paula herself has worked with the BCSPCA for 8 years and adopted her best friend (as seen with her in photo) Willow, a border collie/retriever cross about 1 year ago. Willow was brought to the SPCA because an ill, elderly woman could no longer look after her. She is very affectionate and is constantly at Paula’s side. She doesn’t hesitate to cuddle up to newcomers either. I discovered this as she tried to leap into my lap when I sat down!
Every animal at the SPCA has a story, just like every kid that becomes a member of the SPCA kids club. So even if you live here in Montreal check out what the BCSPCA offers for it’s youth and try some of these things for yourself. You can get all the info at www.spca.bc.ca .
There are many humane societies in Montreal where you can check out some animal stories for yourself. Here are a few that I have personally dealt with and recommend:
www.spcamontreal.com www.refugechatsverdun.com www.spcamonteregie.com
Article and photo by: Andrea Cook
Have you got a tip on an interesting animal story? Let us know! We are always looking for dishes on neat animals and animal info.
