Seven-year-old gets his superhero on for a good cause
By Kyra Hoggan
A local seven-year-old earned his superhero cape Sunday when he decided to forgo birthday presents in favour of collecting donations for an area charity.
Castlegar’s own Mason Voykin became aware of the Kootenay Animal Assistance Program (KAAP) last September when his family lost their beloved 12-year-old cat, according to Mason’s mom, Kristine.
“Even our other cat was distraught,” she said. “So we went to a (KAAP) adoption clinic and met all the kittens.”
They brought home a little charmer they named Grover, who is now a beloved family member. Christmas came and went, and Kristine asked Mason what he’d like to do for his birthday, which was coming in January. Among several other options, she suggested a donation party, in which guests are asked to bring a donation for charity instead of a gift.
“He said, `Ì really don`t need any more toys because it was just Christmas – I have enough toys`,“ Kristine said, adding Mason chose KAAP himself, and helped make the jar to garner donations at his dad`s gym, Peak Physique, and his school, Castlegar Primary.
They sent out birthday party invitations asking roughly 11 guests to, rather than bring presents, bring $5 for KAAP and $5 for Mason`s birthday fund (so he could get a small gift for himself). Ultimately, Mason handed KAAP representative Laurel Mathew a jar with $75, including donations at the school and gym.
“It felt good,“ Mason said. “This worked better than any present. I chose KAAP because of my cat Grover.“
KAAP`s Laurel Mathew said she was incredibly touched by Mason`s altruistic effort.
“For us, every little bit helps – and this is pretty neat,“ she said. “It says a lot about a little kid, for him to do something like this.“
Anyone who would like to follow Mason`s excellent example and donate to KAAP can visit their website at www.kaap.ca or call The Source at 250-365-5972 for more informaeHH
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