Earlier this month, a group of grade 7 and 8 students from International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB) organized a Walk for Rescues Fundraiser where they dressed up in animal costumes and walked 3km around the school track on campus.
Why animal costumes, you ask? Why because the fundraiser was in honor of local animal rescue group Furry Tales!
The students had hoped to raise at least RMB 5,000 for the expat-led charity, and they far exceeded their goal! They had to overcome the daunting challenges of soliciting donations in person. 12-year-old Charis Chiu said that “it was uncomfortable to ask for money” but that just had to summon the courage to approach them and explain to the people what the money was going to be used for, all while putting on her cutest smile. Clearly, it worked!
Animal rescue is a familiar issue for students Ariel Wang, Jingmae Cramsie, and Julia Jaskulska, who were key players in this successful fundraiser. All three have their own rescue pets who have been in their families for years now. Other students in the class who did not have their own pets still share a common affection for all things furry, which was why the students decided on supporting the cause of animal rescue, after considering several different charitable causes.
Ariel Wang (13) with her rescue dog Ben
Jingmae Cramsie (13) with her rescue dog Dakota
Julia Jaskulska (12) with her 4 rescue cats
Moving forward, the students are keen to continue organizing fundraising events. Grade 7/8 Lead Teacher Kristen Fraser had said that “We would like to continue to support Furry Tales as it is a local charity, and we can see the real difference it makes in Beijing. For our next fundraising event we are thinking of doing an Art Auction.” We wholeheartedly support the students in their charitable ambitions and can’t wait to see what they come up with next time!
KEEP READING: Furry Tales: Introducing Beijing’s Latest Pet Rescue Group
Images: Courtesy of MSB
