A boy from Gonubie is proving that age is no barrier when it comes to making a difference in this world.
Kian Gregoriou, a grade 9 pupil at Stirling High, has launched a community drive to collect blankets, pet food, bedding and monetary donations for Pet Pals, an organisation that cares for rescued and abandoned animals.
With winter setting in, Gregoriou said he was moved to act after seeing the growing need for assistance at animal shelters.
“I love animals and I’ve seen the struggles of animal shelters,” Gregoriou said.
“I saw they were in desperate need of blankets and other donations with winter coming up.”
His initiative, which will run until the end of the school term, aims not only to provide much-needed supplies but also to raise awareness.
“I’m hoping to raise awareness of the plight of animal shelters and to inspire others,” he said.
Community members can contribute by arranging drop-offs or collections directly with Kian and his family, with donations set to be delivered during the school holidays.
Tessa Boyd of PetPals praised Kian’s efforts, highlighting the sincerity behind his campaign.
“He is doing it from the goodness of his heart,” she said.
They have 200 dogs and 80 cats in their sanctuary, and the daily feeding quantities for this number of animals is immense.
“Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps us to keep our animals well fed and healthy.”
Boyd encouraged greater youth involvement.
“We need the youth involved and I would value any fundraising ideas they have to be emailed directly to me.”
The response to Gregoriou’s initiative has already been positive.
“We have had a good response with bedding, food and monetary donations and I’m hoping to get a lot more,” he said.
Gregoriou’s compassion for animals is deeply rooted. His mother, Leanne said he has long been committed to animal welfare.
“He has always been passionate about the things that are important to him and has never let anything stand in his way,” Leanne said.
“He was very involved with the Queenstown (Komani) SPCA and used to do fundraisers for them.”
Leanne said the family’s love for animals has shaped his values.
“We’ve always taught him to have respect and compassion for others, and he has truly lived that out.”
Proud of her son’s efforts, she said: “I’m immensely proud of Kian for making a difference.”
Gregoriou hopes his campaign will inspire others, especially young people, to take action.
“You might only be one person, but you can make a difference,” he said.
Through his initiative, Kian is not only helping animals in need but also inspiring a community to come together, one blanket at a time.
