 Elmwood Animal Society
Every now and then someone extraordinary amazes the SAFE team with either their courage or determination to help animals. This week SAFE's education officer Nichola Kriek met an amazing young advocate for the animals. More... Wills Wynn Thomas is a seven-year-old with a passion and drive to help animals that is truly inspirational. SAFE received a letter from Wills' parents with an invitation to speak to Wills' Animal Society group at his school. Wills' mother Victoria explains: "Our seven-year-old son Wills started an Animal Society at Elmwood School at the beginning of this year...the purpose of this society, amongst other things, is to promote awareness of animal welfare...and its members have been meeting during lunchtimes to talk about animals." SAFE education officer Nichola Kriek attended Wills' school to speak and was amazed and impressed by Wills' maturity and commitment to animals. "Wills has managed to motivate 20 of his classmates to give up their lunchbreak in order to learn more about caring for animals. That's quite an achievement. I was so impressed with Wills and his group," says Nichola. "It's great to see someone so young promoting caring values and getting his peers alongside him to support an important cause. Keep it up Wills! The animals are lucky to have you on their side!" 
LITTLE CHAMPION, NEVE!When 8-year-old Neve Soryl was told her family were vacationing in Rarotonga for a winter holiday in May, the SAFE member and animal lover from Christchurch decided she would help the local animals. Neve decided to help a non-profit organisation by collecting donated veterinary supplies to bring with her to Rarotonga. Neve read about the Esther Honey Foundation (EHF) in an animal magazine. EHF provides the only veterinary care for companion animals in the Cook Islands. The organisation focuses on a neuter and spay programme, whilst also helping any animal needing medical aid. Volunteer veterinarians and helpers from all over the world come to work at the foundation.  Neve wrote to Air New Zealand about her idea seeking their assistance and they kindly offered her extra baggage allowance for the journey. Then she wrote to veterinary clinics in Christchurch asking them to donate supplies such as surgery equipment and veterinary medicines.
 Two large boxes of supplies were collected and duly transported by Neve to Rarotonga. EHF helped smooth the way with customs on arrival. A few days later, Neve delivered the boxes and met many of the animals at the centre, including a goat, as well as many cats and dogs of all ages.
SAFE applauds Neve for her initiative and wonderful thought. SAFE director Anthony Terry says she is an inspiration. "Neve took it upon herself to find a problem and help solve it. In doing so, she offered invaluable veterinary supplies to a cash-strapped charity that would in turn directly benefit animals in need. For an 8-year-old to organise and facilitate an international operation and make such a difference, how awesome is that! Fantastic work, Neve." If you would like to contribute in some way to the Esther Honey Foundation visit their website
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