Story of a girl

Raelee has a huge heart.   You'll remember a year and a half ago, Raelee and her friends raised money for an Indonesian Orphanage click me. They took that money and went shopping for toys and necessities.  Raelee then got a chance to go to Singapore, then to Indonesia and actually deliver money to the orphans.  What a once in a lifetime experience!

Her heart has continually gone out to those in need.  She has been planning a hot chocolate stand for months but we never got to to do it.  She kept saving her toys that she no longer wanted so that she could have a 'toy sale' as well.  She didn't quite know what she was going to donate to this time though.   In December, we were watching TV when this commercial came on:


She had big tears in her eyes and started questioning me about those animals.  "Will they be adoptable when we are ready for our next pet." "Who is taking care of them?" "Why do they look so sad?"  That lead into a conversation about abused and neglected animals.  That led into conversations about shelters and pounds.  She decided that her money needed to go into a local organization that offered a 'no-kill' option for abandoned and abused animals.  We stared researching and the organization that my mom got her cat from is a no-kill organization called  HOPE for animals. I contacted HOPE and told them of her plight. They were very touched of course.

Friends donated toys, Granny and Papa donated man power and sweets. Daddy donated time and man power. Grandma donated money.  She got everybody helping her!

When it came down to it, we picked a very poor weekend to do it. Not many people were out at garage sales, and it wasn't overly cold (for the hot chocolate).  We only had about 6 customers. Raelee thought she was a failure. She was very sad.  Just at the sale alone, she made about $170. That's not bad for 6 customers don't you think?  Her goal was $200.  After a post on facebook, and a donation coming from a complete stranger, she reached $240!!!! Amazing! Thank you Tina from My Lil Creations! She was SO excited! Success!!!!

 

 

We took that money and visited the animal shelter and a dog adoption day locally.  They were excited to receive the money and specifically told her where the money was going to go. Apparently they have a couple of sick kitties that need funds to help them get better.  They money couldn't have come at a better time. HOPE is strictly a donation based organization.

Now for pictures. Raelee was excited to go to the Cattery (that's what they call it) where the non-fostered animals go. It was a very clean building just loaded with kitties. I was pleased to see how clean and well maintained it was.  This Cattery housed 35 cats...soon to be a few more because there was a mama kitty there about to give birth.

Here are a few pictures from the Cattery.

Take a few pounds off of Patches (our cat) and she could be this one..lol

Raelee asking about how they care for the cats.

Loved how open the cattery was. Very nice breeze blowing through for the animals to enjoy.

I would have taken this little one home if I could have. She is still in my heart and I wish that we had room for another pet.  She was tiny. She reminded me of my mom's cat Sassi. She was full grown but half the size of a normal cat.

Enjoying the sunlight in the window.

 You can see what a rewarding experience this was for us.  HOPE desperately needs money to take care of all of the abondended animals that they care for.  If you feel led, click this link: http://www.hopeforanimals.com/ 
Find the link to to donate and let me know what you donate, and I'll match it. :)