Bridging the Gap Between Grassroots Youth Education and Animal Welfare
My absolute greatest passion is making the Earth a better, lighter place in whatever small way I can. As my journey has evolved, it has shifted from frontline rescue centres to creating a bridge of change between grassroots development projects and animal rights.
I often feel completely overwhelmed by the number of animals in distress and in need. But then, I remind myself of the starfish story: one person can make a difference, and one person does make a difference. As humans, we have a moral obligation to stand up for those who cannot do so for themselves—whether human or animal. We need to get our hands dirty, make the time, and do what we can, where we are, with what we have. There is always something you can do. Always.
A Brief History of Charlie’s Change
Charlie, a wonderful, chunky hippo of a pit bull, was my first rescue and my first love. He is a true legend, a soul who, taught me through his soulful eyes about commitment, courage, sacrifice, friendship, and unconditional love. He taught me to be in the moment.
In 2015, this incredible soul entered my life, bringing all his wisdom with him, and what an adventure it has been. True to his hero self, Charlie continues to stand by my side, patiently teaching me to be present, to see, and not to judge.
Charlie had a bumpy start on Earth, and as fate played her hand, he found me. He was the very first dog I rescued, and from 2017 onward, he pivoted my life. I realised that having wonderful, well-managed rescue centres was too far down the line in the cycle of abuse. I was looking at the wrong end of rescue. I needed to go back to the grassroots level and stop the circumstances that cause neglect and abuse much closer to home. I needed to bridge change through grassroots programmes and become a funding platform that ensures the funds reach where they are most needed—basic education in self-care, including animal welfare.
Charlie’s Change – Give Your Change to Make a Change
Bank Details:
FNB ACC: 63087478264
BR CODE: 200909
Swift: FIRNZAJJ
If you would like to support Charlie’s Change, please contact:
Sammi.reid@gmail.com
Bits of Wisdom
Ram Dass said, (“Mindful consciousness means being aware of all that is around you.)
Doing things for those beings who can never repay us.” How amazing is that? Good reason to wake up
Drawing by my niece Lulu Reid . UK