VIDEO: Eleven-year-old philanthropist stages fundraiser at Kelowna's Rotary Centre
Sixth-grader Kai Sills wants to prove that age is just a number.
"Follow your dreams," says the 11-year-old, as he prepares for a weekend fundraiser for the SPCA.
Sills has secured donations for the booth he plans to set up for people attending a wellness event at the Mary Irwin Theatre at Kelowna's Rotary Centre for the Arts.
"I'm going to be selling treats," explained Sills, "and all of that money is going to the SPCA."
It's a simple plan.
The motivation stems from Sill's love of animals, and we have his Boston Terriers to thank for that.
"I raised puppies when I was younger," he said.
"When I'm older, I want to become a veterinarian," he added. "So I can look after the animals and make sure they're healthy."
With a few years of schooling still ahead before he gets to work as a veterinarian, Sills figured he could get a head start helping animals by giving the SPCA a boost.
The youngster was able to secure corporate donations from Tim Hortons, Cake for Breakfast, Fritz the Baker, Save-On-Foods and Nature's Fare.
Sills said he couldn't have put this together without the help of his parents.
"Yes, my mom has been really helpful," he said. "She's been helping me make the posters and stuff and also helping me get all the donations."
He agrees it's a challenge to pull something like this off when you're his age, but he's not letting it hold him back.
"I think I'm a little young," he acknowledges. "But it doesn't matter how old you are, you've just got to follow your dream."
Kai's parents are proud.
"I think it's a good age to get out there," said mother Morgan Cleveland. "Getting together, that's what it's about."
"I think it sets a good example for everyone in the community," said Kai's father Jordan Sills.
The refreshment booth will be open for business and donations Saturday afternoon starting at 1:00 pm as the Connection Series event, Mindset, gets underway.
SPCA donations on behalf of Kai Sills efforts can be made here.
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