MIRI: A group of Leo Club students held a fund-raising project to help buy essential items for the Miri Zero Strays animal shelter here.
The students from the Leo Clubs of Kolej Tuanku Haji Bujang, Sekolah Menengah St Columba, and Curtin University Malaysia as well as the Lions Club of Miri managed to raise RM2,500 to buy rice, pet food and other items for the shelter located at Kuala Baram in the outskirts of the city.
The project coincided with International Leo Service Day that fell on Dec 5.
Zero Strays Miri is catering to about 300 stray cats, dogs and puppies that were rescued by volunteers from the clutches of neglect and abuse.
The shelter also handles neutering of these strays to control their population.
Organising chairperson, Arianna Benedict of Kolej Tuanku Haji Bujang, and the other members of the committee handed over the donation to the Zero Strays Miri.
She said the Leo members were very concerned about the welfare of animals that had been abused, treated cruelly or dumped onto the streets by people.
“We the Leo students are concerned about these issues affecting the welfare of animals and pets.
“It is sad to see such animals being treated so unkindly.
“We wanted to do something to help the rescued animals in the Zero Strays shelter.
“So we came together and collected funds to buy some much needed items that the shelter needs every day for the animals under their care,” she said.
Another Leo member Bryan Ting said he cannot stand seeing animals being treated unkindly.
“Animals deserve to be given care and love in a good home, where they can live comfortable and happy lives.
“They should be treated like one of our own family members and not be subjected to cruelty.
“Whatever I can do to care for them I will do my best and I contributed a bit towards this project for Zero Strays Miri,” he said.
Verity Emily said this project was a chance for her to contribute her service as a Leo member towards making life a bit better for the rescued animals living in the shelter.
“I hope our effort can help the animals in the shelter in some way,” she said, adding, “it is good to contribute time, effort and money to a worthy cause.”
The management of Zero Strays thanked the Leo students and their advisers as well as those who donated to the noble effort.
