One girl’s birthday wish had nothing to do with presents and everything to do with helping animals in need.
“I did a fundraiser to raise money for the animal shelter for kitties and puppies and cats and dogs!” said eight-year old Willow Bodvarson.
Willow and her sister Hazel at the Humane Society. (Image Credit: Leslie Bodvarson)
When planning her birthday party, Willow repeatedly asked her parents if she could celebrate at the Battlefords Humane Society and collect donations for the animals instead of receiving gifts.
“Mom and dad asked around and put it on Facebook and asked at the office if anybody wanted to contribute as well,” said her mother, Leslie Bodvarson.
In total, Willow raised $800 for the shelter.
Willow and her sister Hazel playing with a dog. (Image Credit: Leslie Bodvarson)
“I’m really proud of her. I think that she’s just such a kind soul,” Bodvarson added. “We do go to the Humane Society to just cuddle with the animals quite often and through our church and whatnot, we try to do acts of kindness.”
The Bodvarson family has two cats and a kitten at home. Two of the cats were adopted from the Battlefords Humane Society, while the third was found as a rescue.
Willow with her recently rescued kitten. (Image Credit: Leslie Bodvarson)
Bodvarson said having animals at home, along with regular visits to the shelter, has helped grow Willow’s love for animals.
“She really, really loves animals and she loves taking care of them,” said Bodvarson. “We were really impressed with her ability to forgo any birthday gifts. If anybody else wants to donate to the Humane Society, we encourage them to do it!”
Willow hopes her birthday fundraiser will encourage other children to find ways to give back.
“I hope other kids get inspired by me!” she said.
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