By Lisa Browning
Earlier this year, I wrote about the “For the Love of Animals” collaborative project between Saplings, the children’s branch of One Thousand Trees, and the Benjamin Project, a non-profit initiative educating children on responsible pet ownership and animal stewardship, and raising funds for shelters, sanctuaries and rescue. To date, I have published six books written and illustrated by elementary school students, in support of a local shelter/rescue of their choosing. There is nothing that brings me greater joy!
A lot has happened since then, and I have been inspired to do even more in this area. A little over a week ago, I hosted a brainstorming session with six friends and colleagues, who are as passionate about both animals and children as I am. The main purpose of this meeting was to provide information on some exciting new initiatives planned for 2026, including:
- Saplings Kids Club, for ages 6 through 12. This will take place once a month, and the wonderful people at Kirtida Kitchen have offered us space. Kids will have the opportunity to meet a children’s author each month, make new friends, create a craft related to the topic of the month, and learn something new every month.
- Our Sentient Friends magazine production team, for high school students. Working on this quarterly magazine, honouring all animals everywhere, students can gain experience in interviewing, content creation, networking and promotion, teamwork and collaboration.
- Did You Know? colouring book illustrators, for aspiring artists in high school. We’re looking for line drawings of animals, to be included in colouring books that raise awareness of various animal species.
We will be hosting an open-to-the-public event at Kirtida Kitchen on Monday, December 8 from 5 to 7pm, to facilitate further discussion about these initiatives, to hear your ideas and suggestions about potential projects, and also to have an opportunity to meet with some of our awesome Saplings authors, with children’s books for sale, just in time for Christmas! Kirtida Kitchen’s buffet dinner will also be available for purchase.As Jane Goodall once said, “Young people, when informed and empowered, when they realize that what they do truly makes a difference, can indeed change the world.” Please come out and join us for an evening of connection, and help us to help our young people, and the animals we all love. Space is limited, and registration is required. Email [email protected].
