Come on, Have a Heart

George South Primary School learner

Talia van Rensburg has such a big love for animals, especially those in need, that she came up with a project to help them. Talia (10), who has a few pets of her own, said her heart goes out to those animals in shelters who do not always have food. Her mother and the school's principal approve of her idea and encouraged her to take ownership of the project. Together with a few friends at school she has started the "Have a Hart" project. All that is asked of participants is that they donate a handful (or more) of cat or dog food in a plastic bag every first Wednesday of the month. This is not much to ask, especially from those who own pets and buy pet food in any case.

Talia and her friends will stand at the entrances of the school every first Wednesday of the month to receive donations. They will be recognisable by their red T-shirts with a big red heart. Everybody who donates will receive a red heart-shaped sticker, which Talia hopes in turn will promote awareness and conversation about the project. Those that are not learners at the school are encouraged to come and drop off their contributions before 07:20 on the given days. Talia tells George Herald she learned about giving and caring at Land Service, a youth movement with the focus on holistic development of the child. The food will be donated to a shelter in need.

Talia van Rensburg with her hamster Fluffy.