Boys sell their favourite toys, books to help strays in UAE

Dubai - They have also offered to donate their monthly allowance to the cause.

Eight-year-old Joshua Fenton and his brother Sebastian, 10, love to read and play. But they are ready to give up their favourite books and toys just to help the stray cats in their neighbourhood.
Now, the brothers are preparing for their 'toy and book sale', and the proceeds of which shall go straight to a fund that will allow them to take care of abandoned cats, especially those who are in need of medical help. They have also offered to donate their monthly allowance to the cause.
It all started when their mother, South African national Lorey Fenton, showed them photos of the street cats she was trying to help.
"I have been part of this animal welfare Facebook group called the Bin Kitty Collective for quite some time and I noticed that a lot of cats were being abandoned on the streets during the summer. It broke my heart seeing these cats who were in desperate need of a home and medical attention, which is why I was contributing whatever money I could," Lorey told Khaleej Times.
"This when both of them came up with this idea of donating their toys and books and also offered their pocket money. I thought this would be a great way to get them involved in this act of giving back to society."
Cats and animals, in general, are close to the brothers' hearts. They are actually taking care of two abandoned cats and a tortoise at home.
The boys, who go to Kings School Dubai, are even looking to start a campus campaign to collect more toys and books from other children. They have already sorted all their stuff, and they are now just eagerly waiting for the first day of school to get their friends involved.
Once the boys gather a good number of books and toys, they will be selling them off either online or at a baby bazaar.
"Although my little one Joshua loves reading, he saved a few of his favourite books and decided to give away the rest, just so he could help an abandoned cat," Lorey said.
The online cat support group has appreciated the kids' gesture so much so that some people have already come forward to donate.
"I and my husband Ian Harfield realised that their contribution will only be a drop in the ocean of countless vets bills, but they hope their efforts will make a difference to at least a few cats' lives," Lorey said.
saman@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Dubai