Giving Up Soda Helps a Good Cause
Young 4-H Klickitat County sisters are animal welfare advocates
By Betsy Fradd
WSU Extension 4-H
Faith and Alyssa Simmons are on a mission. Their goal: to ensure all dogs and cats in Klickitat County are wanted and well treated. The sisters and their parents, Darla and Darrell, put their money where their passion is. Years ago the Goldendale family gave up buying soda at restaurants and regularly donates that money toward charities which spay and neuter animals.
Alyssa and Faith Simmons with their dogs Spotty and Spike.
"My mom and dad want us to learn about helping the community and look at what needs there are," said 13-year old Faith. "It would make our area a better place to have all the animals taken care of and controlled and it reduces the suffering for unwanted pets."
Faith, along with Alyssa, 11, often speaks in front of individuals and groups promoting the benefits of spay/neuter programs and the importance of good animal health. They organize, volunteer, and fundraise at animal clinics, create educational posters and give public presentations about responsible pet care. Providing foster care for many animals is done regularly by the girls in addition to caring for the families’ five dogs, fifteen cats, two horses and a scattering of chickens. Often pets come to them because they need to be bottle feed. Each family member work shifts and gets up hourly throughout the night for feedings.
"Many children say they love animals, but the Simmons sisters go beyond just words and show their concern by their actions," said Susan Kerr,” WSU Klickitat County Extension Director. “They have learned a lot about anatomy, nutrition, diseases, reproduction and neonatal care and are making positive contributions to society by reducing the number of homeless animals."
So far the family has donated over $600.00 to local animal charities. They hope others will see the on-going need, forgo soda and contribute money to help decrease the animal population. This past year the girls and their parents donated to many causes including CatLink, Dogs of the Gorge, and Petco.
“People always say they have no money to fix their animal,” said Faith. “We have one simple plan. When you go out, stop paying $2.00 to $3.00 a soda and ask for water instead. If we could get everyone to give up soda even for a month just think about all the money people could save and help a good cause.”
Posted September 2011
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