Local Tae Kwon Do student raises funds and awareness for the regions many homeless cats
By Kyle Valentini
February 20, 2014
434
Carlos Fernandez, a fifth grader at Tuscarawas Central Catholic Elementary School in Dover, donated $300 as well as supplies to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society Cat Shelter as part of a community service project requirement in an effort to earn his junior black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Fernandez has been a student at Karams Martial Arts in New Philadelphia for six years. In order to earn the highest possible belt for students under the age of 13, the student must demonstrate the physical and mental skills of Tae Kwon Do as well as complete a community service project approved by Adam Karam, the schools director. The student must plan, execute and complete the project in a reasonable amount of time.
I chose the cat shelter because I like cats, said Fernandez We adopted my cat, Gizmo, from the shelter, and I know there are many others that need homes.
Fernandez reached out to friends and family for assistance with his effort. In lieu of birthday presents, Fernandez asked guests to bring a donation to his birthday party, held Feb. 9 at Wabash Lanes. For someone Carlos age, it was awesome for him to help animals in need of homes instead of only thinking of himself on his birthday, said Frankie Alguire, a longtime friend and junior black belt holder from Karams Martial Arts who attended the birthday party and made a donation.
Fernandez held various fundraisers at his school, and his efforts paid off for the cats that call the shelter home while they wait to be adopted.
We appreciate his donation so much, said Allison Powell, cat shelter director. This money will go into our general fund and be used to help with the cost of spaying and neutering cats, immunizations and medical care. All donations are appreciated, but we can do the most with monetary donations. Our greatest need beyond caring for the cats is to educate the public about the importance of spaying and neutering. Cats reproduce at an alarming rate, and the cycle never ends if they continue to have litters.
The cat shelter relies solely on private donations and receives no government funding. A group of dedicated volunteers provides care and companionship to the cats while they await their forever homes. Currently 65 cats are living at the shelter. We are always seeking volunteers to help us, said Powell. The cat shelter is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 5-7 p.m., Sunday from 3-5 p.m. or by appointment.
For more information, contact the cat shelter by phone at 330-602-6762. The cat shelter is located at 829 Union Ave. in Dover.
