Instead of gifts and presents for her birthday, a Wallaceburg girl asked her friends and family to donate to a cause that is close to her heart.
Leah Barnier celebrated her 6th birthday on February 28 and she collected a handful of items for the animal shelter in Sarnia.
“She chose the Sarnia Humane Society because this is where we adopted our dog Walter from last year and she wanted to give back,” said Colleen Barnier, Leah’s mom.
“She collected items as well as money donations at her party and with the money she choose items from our Pet Valu store in Wallaceburg. They thought she was doing such a wonderful thing, that they also threw in a donation of cat food and dog food as well.”
Colleen said her daughter is feeling very proud of her choice to donate.
“I had asked her what she thought about the idea and she was so excited,” Colleen said.
“She kept saying how nice the people there were to our dog Walter before we got him and that she wanted to help all the other dogs and cats out until they found their families. She would count down the days to her birthday.”
Colleen said it filled herself and Scott, Leah’s dad, with pride.
“She keeps mentioning ideas of who she can help next year for her birthday,” she said. “She says she wants to help people who may not have enough food next year. We are very proud.”
– Submitted photo
