By Rachel Haynes, Staff Writer
Animals in shelters need love and support and the members of Paws for a Cause intend to provide it.
There has been a lack of animal community service on the campus of Poly. That is until this year with the creation of Paws for a Cause. It is one of the new clubs started at our school this year, founded by club president Arianna Arias (12). Inspired by a desire to help animals and her hopes of becoming a veterinarian, this club’s goal is to aid animals in need. Arias noticed there was not a club dedicated specifically for this cause, and decided to create her own club. She had been wanting to start this group since her junior year, but unfortunately she did not have the chance to do so. “I made it a mission this year right when school started,” she says. And she has done exactly that. Her determination to start the club truly shows a passion towards animals and their well-being.
Meetings take place during enrichment, where they plan out volunteer opportunities and activities that will benefit adoption centers all around Riverside. “The whole idea of the club is animal community service,” says Arias. Her main goals for the club are to make dog toys for donation, fundraising for outside school events, dog shows, and provide service to shelters such as Mary S. Roberts throughout the year. Clearly, Arias has wonderful plans for her club that will positively impact many animals in our community.
The club has been making quite a splash at Poly this year. It was a pleasant surprise for Arias to see so many people care about her cause. She says her advisor, Mr. Garrett had asked how many club members she expected to join. “I was like maybe twenty-five, thirty. But we got 160 people to join”, she states. There have already been two separate interest meetings with a possible third one on the way due to the large number of people interested. With this along with the club Instagram already having over 180 followers, it is clear to see that fellow students are passionate about helping animals.
For those interested in joining, Arias says to follow the clubs’ Instagram account (@rivpoly.paws.for.a.cause) and to let them know if you would like to join! The club will happily accept more participants. Undoubtedly, we can expect great things from this club, and a long lasting legacy of helping animals in need. Bears, go out and support the new club, Paws for a Cause!