Grade 5 De Tyger Primary School pupil, Allison Jackson, 10, is on a drive to collect pet food for the outreach arm of the Monte Vista Girl Guides.
Neatly dressed, in her girl guide’s uniform, Allison said as part of the outreach she was tasked with either raising funds for a hospital or an animal shelter.
“The reason I chose the SPCA is because I would like to become a veterinarian when I grow up. I love animals and I want to take care of them and save them when they get sick,” she said.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is the oldest animal welfare organisation in the country. It was formed in 1872.
Allison, who stays in Goodwood, said she realised she wanted to become a veterinarian at the age of seven.
“We had gone out and I saw this beautiful horse and that is when it hit me,” she said.
So far, Allison has collected 12 pet food items and is calling on the community to help her.
“I want to help the SPCA because they are a charity organisation who have to rely on donations to help sick animals. The animals need food to help them get healthier when they are at the SPCA,” she said.
Despite not having a pet of her own, Allison said she would love to get a dog one day.
She told the Northern News she has been with the Monte Vista Girl Guides for two years.
“I love being part of the organisation because we run causes to help the community, which teaches me life lessons; to help me become the best version of myself and a good adult one day,” she said.
Her mother Bronwynne, who was also a girl guide when she was a “tween”, said the organisation gave young girls a “stable grounding”.
“They mould the girls into decent human beings, and help them to broaden their general knowledge.
“They also bolster the children’s self-esteem and shape them into independent and courageous young women, which another extra-mural activity may not allow these girls to achieve. I really believe the organisation will transform her into a strong-willed women,” she said.
Monte Vista Guide adult leader, Carnia Adonis, said the organisation aimed to guide girls to a confident future.
“We help them to get involved in different causes and also to determine whatever needs there are in the community. We also aim to teach the girls lessons about advocacy and acts of service,” she said.
To donate pet food call Bronwynne on 081 271 0480.