He just wanted to make a little bit of a difference, so when seven-year-old Dre Khalaf showed up at the Estevan Humane Society's animal shelter last Tuesday afternoon, he was doing just that. He had $200 in an envelope to hand over to shelter manager Judy Martin, saying "I wanted to help the kittens and dogs and pets here."
Dre, who turned seven on June 30, said he wanted to take half of the money collected for his birthday celebration and turn it over to the shelter. His stepfather Nick Martin said he would match any amount that was gathered through the birthday celebration process, and thus, the total amount of $200.
Dre said that Tuesday's trip with his grandmother to the shelter on the city's south side was his first, but probably not his last. His mother Kathy Sovdi was unable to attend due to work commitments.
Dre noted that one kitten from a litter of three, that were playing in the shelter's front foyer, seemed to bond with him rather rapidly.
Dre has a Boston terrier named Bitterman at home.
Judy Martin said the money will be used in a variety of ways ... helping to pay a growing veterinarian bill or purchasing necessary supplies and food.
"They all need food and toys and we need staff and we need to pay vet bills, so there are plenty of directions that donations like this can go," she said.
The birthday party that was held a little earlier than the official date, was a lot of fun according to Dre who expressed no regret with his decision.
