Historical September–October 2008 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
At certain points in our life, we all hear or see something that leads us to believe we should take action in order to help.
But how often do we follow through with this idea? And how often would you expect a group of eight and nine year old boys to see a need, make a plan, and follow through with the plan? Well this past spring, that is exactly what happened to a group of St. Roch Cub Scouts.
On March 1st, the third grade Cub Scouts of Pack 98 took a trip to the Wild Canid Center in Eureka, Missouri (founded in 1971 by Marlin and Carol Perkins).
The boys were in awe of the beautiful wolves: Maned, Red, and Mexican Gray Wolves, Swift Foxes, and African Wild Dogs.
The research and work that is done at the facility helps to keep these beautiful animals from becoming extinct.
The boys loved the day they spent there and could all quote statistics about the wolves.
They had many stories about what they witnessed with the animals.
They were also moved by the fact that the Wild Canid Center, which is always in need of donations, was in need of even more contributions as they prepare to move their facility to a new property which they will have to purchase and develop for the wolves.
They decided they should do something to help.
In the course of just one day of school, they discussed their ideas and wrote a letter to their principal requesting to do a fundraiser for the Wolf Sanctuary. Later that day, they met Principal Gloria Openlander and worked out the details of their fundraiser.
They even took notes in the meeting. By the time the scouts saw their leaders after school at their Cub Scout meeting, they had an entire plan; approved by the principal!
The boys were so excited.
They had a lot to share with their leaders and none of them could get it out of their mouths fast enough!
In order to put the plan in motion, the boys designed posters and canisters with incredible artwork and messages about saving and helping the wolves.
They placed canisters in every classroom at their school (some parents took them to work as well) and encouraged students to bring change or small donations to put in the canisters.
Each week, for three weeks, the boys collected money, thanking the classes as they went through the school.
Following the three weeks, the boys had raised $430.80 (not bad for small change).
They invited a representative from the Wild Canid Center to attend a meeting and they were able to present their donation.
With their donation, the boys were able to ‘adopt’ three wolves and will continue to learn about the wolves in the coming year.
They were truly inspired by their visit and look forward to future visits to the Wild Canid Center.
The parents and leaders of these boys are equally inspired and impressed by the initiative taken and their passion for this noble cause. May it move us all to take action where we see fit in our daily lives.
Original photograph caption
Pack 98 Cub Scouts present their donation to help save wolves. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 2008.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2008_09.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
